CompTIA CASP+ Practice Test

If a database's computed CIA aggregate value is high, what is the most likely threat?

1. Inappropriate administrator access

2. Data corruption from hardware failure

3. Insider threats from low-level employees

4. Unauthorized remote access attempts

The correct answer is: Inappropriate administrator access

When a database's computed Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) aggregate value is high, it means that the data held within the database is critical and potentially sensitive. In such scenarios, one of the most significant threats comes from inappropriate access by administrators. Administrators typically have elevated privileges that could allow them to bypass normal security controls and use their access to exploit, alter, or leak sensitive information. This makes inappropriate administrator access a serious concern because the damage caused by a malicious insider can be extensive. Given their unique position, administrators can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the data without raising immediate alarms, making this a prominent threat when a database has a high CIA aggregate. While data corruption from hardware failure, insider threats from low-level employees, and unauthorized remote access attempts are indeed potential risks to database security, they do not directly target the elevated risks associated with high CIA values in the same manner as inappropriate access by an administrator. This makes the first scenario particularly critical in contexts where data sensitivity is paramount.