Which practice helps in preventing unauthorized account access effectively?

Implementing an account lockout policy is an effective practice for preventing unauthorized account access because it establishes a security measure that temporarily disables an account after a specified number of failed login attempts. This approach is particularly useful in thwarting brute force attacks, where an unauthorized user systematically attempts various password combinations to gain access. When an account is locked out, it stops further attempts, which adds a layer of protection.

The policy can be configured with various thresholds and duration settings, allowing organizations to balance user accessibility and security. By controlling how many attempts can be made before an account is locked, this practice helps to safeguard sensitive user information and maintain the integrity of the system. This proactive approach helps maintain overall security and reduces the risk of account compromise.