[Addison West]

There are different types of controls a company can use to keep its network safe and protect its information. These controls are called physical controls, technical controls, and administrative controls. Each type helps protect the company in a different way. Physical controls are things that protect the equipment, like computers and servers. Examples include locked doors, cameras, ID badges, and alarms. These help stop people who are not allowed from getting near important devices or data. Technical controls are tools and programs that protect the network digitally. Firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and strong passwords are common examples. Firewalls block bad traffic from entering the network, antivirus software removes harmful viruses, and encryption keeps information private by turning it into a secret code that only approved users can read. Companies can also use multi-factor authentication, which means people must verify their identity in more than one way before logging in. Administrative controls are rules and policies that teach employees how to keep the network safe. These include training sessions, password policies, and steps to follow when handling customer information. Employees are often the first line of defense, so teaching them to recognize threats like phishing emails is very important. When all three types of controls, physical, technical, and administrative, are used together, they create a strong defense system. This combination helps protect a company’s data, devices, and people from hackers, viruses, and other cyber risks.