Which factor increases the risk of unauthorized access during data transfer?

Which factor increases the risk of unauthorized access during data transfer?

• A. Strong encryption or strict access controls
• B. Weak encryption or poor access controls
• C. Regular security audits
• D. Comprehensive data classification

Answer: (D)

During data transfer, protecting confidentiality relies on strong protections like encryption and strict access controls. If encryption is weak or absent, data can be intercepted and read in transit. If access controls are poor, unauthorized individuals may gain access at endpoints or during transit. So the factor that increases the risk of unauthorized access is weak encryption or poor access controls, because they directly create openings for attackers to read or steal data. Strong encryption and robust access controls reduce that risk by making intercepted data unreadable and by restricting who can access the data. Regular security audits and comprehensive data classification help identify vulnerabilities and determine appropriate protections, but they don’t themselves raise the risk; they support improving defenses.

During data transfer, protecting confidentiality relies on strong protections like encryption and strict access controls. If encryption is weak or absent, data can be intercepted and read in transit. If access controls are poor, unauthorized individuals may gain access at endpoints or during transit. So the factor that increases the risk of unauthorized access is weak encryption or poor access controls, because they directly create openings for attackers to read or steal data.

Strong encryption and robust access controls reduce that risk by making intercepted data unreadable and by restricting who can access the data. Regular security audits and comprehensive data classification help identify vulnerabilities and determine appropriate protections, but they don’t themselves raise the risk; they support improving defenses.