G Professional Collaboration Engineer Practice Exam

Which method would most effectively prevent unauthorized access to cloud-based services?

1. Implementing frequent password changes.

2. Educating users about phishing attacks.

3. Utilizing multi-factor authentication.

4. Setting up session expiration policies.

The correct answer is: Utilizing multi-factor authentication.

Utilizing multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an effective method for preventing unauthorized access to cloud-based services because it adds an additional layer of security beyond just a password. MFA requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access, which typically includes something they know (like a password), something they have (such as a smartphone or hardware token), or something they are (biometric verification like fingerprints). This multifaceted approach significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised. While other methods mentioned can contribute to improving security, they do not provide the same level of protection as MFA. Frequent password changes may encourage better password practices, but they do not address the potential for password theft. Educating users about phishing can help users recognize and avoid deceptive practices that might lead to credential theft, but it does not directly prevent breaches. Setting up session expiration policies can minimize the risk associated with inactive sessions but does not prevent the initial unauthorized access. Therefore, MFA stands out as the most effective means of safeguarding cloud services against unauthorized access.