What is a preventive control in cybersecurity?

Preventive controls in cybersecurity are proactive measures taken to prevent security incidents from occurring in the first place. The correct answer highlights the use of tools and strategies, such as firewalls and encryption, that actively block threats before they can exploit vulnerabilities in a system. By implementing these types of controls, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access or data breaches, thus enhancing their overall security posture.

In contrast, measures that detect unauthorized access after it happens are reactive and do not prevent incidents; they simply alert organizations to existing threats. Strategies designed for compliance with legal standards might guide overall security practices but do not directly prevent incidents themselves. Post-incident analysis focuses on learning from security breaches that have already occurred rather than stopping them from happening in the first place. Therefore, preventive controls play a critical role in cybersecurity by aiming to thwart potential threats before they can cause harm.