What type of controls are designed to prevent and detect unauthorized activity?

Technical controls are designed to prevent and detect unauthorized activity through the use of technology and automated systems. These controls include measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, and access control mechanisms. By implementing these technologies, organizations create layers of security that protect sensitive data and systems from breaches or unauthorized access.

The effectiveness of technical controls lies in their ability to operate continuously and often without human intervention, making them essential in a landscape where threats can arise at any moment. They serve both preventive functions—stopping potential attacks before they can cause harm—and detective functions—identifying and alerting administrators of any unauthorized activities when they occur.

In contrast, the other control types serve different purposes. Financial controls focus on managing monetary aspects and ensuring compliance with financial regulations, administrative controls relate to organizational policies and procedures, and procedural controls provide specific guidelines to achieve operational tasks. While all these controls contribute to an organization's overall security posture, technical controls are uniquely positioned to specifically address unauthorized access and activity through automated technological solutions.