Which of the following is an example of a preventive control?

Implementing firewalls is an example of a preventive control because firewalls are designed to block unauthorized access to or from a private network. By establishing a barrier that filters incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined security rules, firewalls proactively prevent attacks and unauthorized data breaches. This preemptive measure is crucial for maintaining the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of an organization's information systems.

In a broader context, preventive controls are safeguards that are put in place to stop security breaches before they occur. They aim to reduce vulnerabilities and protect resources from potential threats. Other examples of preventive controls could include implementing encryption, using intrusion prevention systems, and applying access controls.

On the other hand, conducting regular audits and analyzing security incidents are more aligned with detective and corrective controls, as they focus on identifying issues after they have happened or assessing the security posture rather than preventing them in the first place. Monitoring network traffic also falls into a detective approach, as it involves observing network activity to identify suspicious behavior but does not stop intrusions directly.