CompTIA CASP+ Practice Test

What is the most effective control to prevent internal data theft, similar to an employee selling customer database information to outside parties?

1. Firewalls

2. Data loss prevention

3. Network intrusion detection systems

4. Access control lists

The correct answer is: Data loss prevention

Data loss prevention (DLP) is specifically designed to detect and prevent data breaches and unauthorized data transfers. In the scenario of internal data theft, such as an employee selling customer database information, DLP systems can monitor and control data transfers, ensuring that sensitive data is not being sent outside the organization illegitimately. DLP solutions can include mechanisms to classify and protect sensitive data, enforce policies that dictate how data can be shared, and alert administrators to suspicious activities related to data access and movement. By using DLP, organizations can effectively identify potential insider threats and restrict the exfiltration of sensitive data, making it a critical control for preventing internal data theft. Other options, while important in a broader security context, do not address the specific challenge of preventing data theft at the level of individual actions involving sensitive data. For instance, firewalls primarily protect against external threats and unauthorized access to the network. Network intrusion detection systems focus on identifying malicious activities on the network rather than preventing data loss by insiders. Access control lists manage permissions for users and devices but do not actively monitor or control how data is used or transferred after access is granted. Therefore, DLP stands out as the most effective control for the prevention of internal data theft.