Which type of security control is primarily focused on detecting unauthorized access attempts?

Detective controls are specifically designed to identify and alert organizations to unauthorized access attempts and other security incidents. These controls play a critical role in monitoring systems and networks to detect irregular activities or breaches after they have occurred. By recognizing potential security threats in real-time, organizations can respond swiftly and mitigate risks before they escalate into more significant issues.

For example, intrusion detection systems (IDS) are a common type of detective control that monitors network traffic, generating alerts when suspicious behavior is detected. Logging and monitoring tools also fall into this category, providing insights into user activities and system events to spot any anomalies that might indicate unauthorized access.

In contrast, preventive controls aim to stop security incidents before they occur, such as implementing firewalls or access controls. Corrective controls are used to fix issues after they have been detected, focusing on recovery rather than detection. Physical controls relate more to securing physical assets and facilities rather than monitoring unauthorized access attempts. Thus, the focus of detective controls on identifying and signaling possible breaches makes them essential for supporting an organization’s security posture.