What aspect of security can hinder productivity if not properly aligned with business needs?

Conflicting security policies can significantly hinder productivity when they do not align with the business's operational requirements. When a business has multiple security policies that contradict each other, employees may find it challenging to understand which protocols to follow. This confusion can lead to delays in processes, inefficiencies in workflows, and in some cases, employees may become discouraged, leading to a decline in morale and productivity.

Additionally, if the policies conflict with business needs, employees might bypass them to accomplish their tasks, undermining the very purpose of the security measures. Proper alignment between security policies and business objectives is crucial to ensure that security supports the overall mission of the organization while safeguarding assets effectively.

In contrast, while strict security measures, increased monitoring, and the deployment of firewalls are all vital components of a robust security framework, their presence alone does not inherently cause productivity issues unless they lead to restrictions or complications that are inconsistent with the organization's goals.