(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What type of software is most likely used to defend against unauthorized changes to data?

1. Firewall

2. Network Intrusion Detection System

3. Anti-virus software

4. Data Loss Prevention software

The correct answer is: Data Loss Prevention software

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) software is specifically designed to monitor, detect, and protect sensitive data from unauthorized access or changes. This type of software is crucial in preventing accidental or intentional data breaches, ensuring that confidential or critical information remains secure. DLP solutions typically employ various techniques such as content inspection and contextual analysis to identify sensitive data moving within and outside the organization. By implementing policies that restrict certain actions such as copying, transferring, or modifying sensitive data, DLP software significantly enhances an organization's ability to defend its information against unauthorized changes. In contrast, firewalls serve as protective barriers between trusted networks and untrusted networks, focusing on preventing unauthorized access rather than managing alterations to data directly. Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) are primarily oriented toward identifying and alerting on suspicious activities within a network, not specifically aimed at preventing changes to data. Anti-virus software targets malicious programs that could compromise a system, typically addressing external threats rather than direct data manipulation. Thus, while all these tools play important roles in a comprehensive security strategy, DLP software stands out as the most relevant for defending against unauthorized changes to data.