When Gary gets locked out after multiple login failures, what principle of security is being enforced?

When Gary gets locked out after multiple login failures, what principle of security is being enforced?

• A. Least privilege
• B. Accountability
• C. Intrusion detection
• D. Account lockout

Answer: (D)

The principle being enforced when Gary gets locked out after multiple login failures is account lockout. This mechanism is designed to enhance security by preventing unauthorized access attempts, typically in the context of protecting accounts from brute force attacks. By locking the account after a predefined number of failed login attempts, the system mitigates the risk of an attacker guessing the password through continuous trial and error. This strategy is part of a broader approach to safeguarding user accounts and sensitive information, as it discourages repeated unauthorized access attempts without administrative intervention. In scenarios where account lockout is enforced, legitimate users may need to employ additional measures to regain access, such as verifying their identity or contacting support, further emphasizing secure practices. The other principles mentioned, while important, do not specifically address the action taken when multiple login failures occur. For instance, least privilege relates to giving users only those access levels necessary for their role, accountability pertains to tracking user actions for auditing purposes, and intrusion detection focuses on identifying unauthorized access attempts or anomalies within a system. None of these concepts directly involve the mechanism of locking an account due to repeated login failures.

The principle being enforced when Gary gets locked out after multiple login failures is account lockout. This mechanism is designed to enhance security by preventing unauthorized access attempts, typically in the context of protecting accounts from brute force attacks. By locking the account after a predefined number of failed login attempts, the system mitigates the risk of an attacker guessing the password through continuous trial and error.

This strategy is part of a broader approach to safeguarding user accounts and sensitive information, as it discourages repeated unauthorized access attempts without administrative intervention. In scenarios where account lockout is enforced, legitimate users may need to employ additional measures to regain access, such as verifying their identity or contacting support, further emphasizing secure practices.

The other principles mentioned, while important, do not specifically address the action taken when multiple login failures occur. For instance, least privilege relates to giving users only those access levels necessary for their role, accountability pertains to tracking user actions for auditing purposes, and intrusion detection focuses on identifying unauthorized access attempts or anomalies within a system. None of these concepts directly involve the mechanism of locking an account due to repeated login failures.