Which of the following security practices can help prevent unauthorized access when conducting penetration tests?

Maintaining comprehensive network logs is crucial in preventing unauthorized access during penetration tests. These logs provide a detailed record of all activities and can help identify suspicious behavior in real-time. By monitoring these logs, security professionals can quickly detect potential unauthorized attempts to access the system and respond accordingly. This practice not only enhances security during the testing phase but also contributes to the overall security posture of the organization.

Comprehensive logging ensures that every action taken during the test is recorded, which is essential for both auditing purposes and post-testing analysis. This allows teams to review what occurred during the test, understand the methods used by testers, and improve defenses against similar tactics that could be exploited by malicious actors. Adequate logging can also play a critical role in compliance with legal or regulatory requirements regarding data protection and incident response. Thus, it serves as an essential tool in both enhancing security and maintaining accountability throughout the testing process.