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CISA Practice Question: Which TWO of the following are effective controls…
Which TWO of the following are effective controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data in a database? (Choose two.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Database activity monitoring (DAM)
Options A (Database activity monitoring) and C (Database encryption at rest) are effective controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data in a database. Database activity monitoring (DAM) detects and can block unauthorized queries in real-time. Database encryption at rest protects data even if the storage media is accessed without authorization. Option B (Strong password policy) is a general security control but does not prevent access if passwords are compromised or bypassed. Option D (Regular patch management) addresses vulnerabilities but does not directly prevent unauthorized access. Option E (Network segmentation) limits network-level access but does not protect against authorized users misusing access or credential theft.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Database activity monitoring (DAM)
Why this is correct
DAM detects and blocks unauthorized access.
- ✗
Strong password policy
Why it's wrong here
Passwords can be compromised.
- ✓
Database encryption at rest
Why this is correct
Encryption protects data confidentiality.
- ✗
Regular patch management
Why it's wrong here
Patching addresses vulnerabilities, not access control.
- ✗
Network segmentation
Why it's wrong here
Segmentation limits but does not prevent access.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CISA practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CISA exam.