Which term describes hardware or software implementations used to manage and provide protection?

• A. Administrative controls
• B. Technical Controls
• C. Preventative Controls
• D. Physical Control

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that protections are put in place through technical controls—the technology-based measures that enforce security policies. These are the actual hardware or software implementations that manage access, protect data, monitor activity, and respond to threats. Examples include firewalls, encryption, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems. They are distinct from administrative controls (policies, procedures, and governance) and physical controls (doors, locks, security guards). They’re also different from the broader term preventive controls, which describes a function of stopping threats but not the specific technology-based mechanisms. Because the prompt specifies hardware or software implementations used to manage and provide protection, the term that fits best is technical controls.