CRISC Risk Response and Reporting Practice Question
An organization is implementing a new access control system to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data. Which type of control is being implemented?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse preventive controls with detective controls because both involve monitoring, but preventive controls actively block access (e.g., firewall deny rules) while detective controls only log or alert after the fact.
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
✓
Preventive control
An access control system that prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data is a preventive control because it enforces security policies before access is granted. Technologies like mandatory access control (MAC) or role-based access control (RBAC) with Access Control Lists (ACLs) block unauthorized users at the point of entry, reducing the risk of data exposure.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Detective control
Why it's wrong here
Detective controls identify incidents after they occur, not prevent them.
- ✗
Compensating control
Why it's wrong here
Compensating controls are alternatives that provide equivalent protection, not necessarily preventive.
- ✓
Preventive control
Why this is correct
Correct. Preventive controls aim to stop incidents before they happen.
- ✗
Corrective control
Why it's wrong here
Corrective controls remediate issues after detection, not prevent them.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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