Which of the following should an IS auditor recommend to reduce the likelihood of potential intruders using social engineering?
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A. B. C. D.D.
Of the given options, the most appropriate recommendation that an IS auditor should suggest to reduce the likelihood of potential intruders using social engineering is to deploy a security awareness program (option D).
Social engineering is a technique used by hackers to manipulate people into divulging confidential information or granting unauthorized access to a system or network. It is a common method used by attackers to gain access to sensitive data and networks. Social engineering attacks can be hard to detect, as they rely on the vulnerability of human nature rather than technical vulnerabilities in a system.
A security awareness program aims to educate employees on the potential risks and consequences of social engineering attacks. It includes training on how to identify and avoid phishing scams, how to create strong passwords, and how to report suspicious activities. Such programs also help employees understand their role in maintaining the security of the organization's information assets.
Simulated attacks (option A) can be useful in assessing the effectiveness of the security awareness program, but they do not directly reduce the likelihood of social engineering attacks. They only provide feedback on the organization's ability to detect and respond to simulated attacks.
Prohibiting the use of social networking platforms (option B) is unlikely to be effective as attackers can use other channels to exploit vulnerabilities in the organization. Moreover, social networking platforms can have legitimate uses for the organization, such as marketing and communication with customers and stakeholders.
Implementing an intrusion detection system (option C) can help in detecting and responding to social engineering attacks, but it does not address the root cause of the issue. Attackers can still attempt to gain access to the network through other means, such as exploiting unpatched software or weak passwords.
Therefore, deploying a security awareness program (option D) is the most effective way to reduce the likelihood of potential intruders using social engineering. By educating employees on the risks of social engineering attacks and providing them with the knowledge and tools to identify and avoid them, organizations can significantly reduce their vulnerability to these types of attacks.