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CISA · Question #269

Which of the following controls helps to ensure that data extraction queries run by the database administrator (DBA) are monitored?

The correct answer is D. Reviewing activity logs of the DBA. To ensure data extraction queries run by a DBA are monitored, the most effective control is regularly reviewing the activity logs specifically pertaining to the DBA's actions.

Submitted by tunde_lagos· Apr 18, 2026Protection of Information Assets

Question

Which of the following controls helps to ensure that data extraction queries run by the database administrator (DBA) are monitored?

Options

  • APerforming periodic access reviews
  • BStoring logs of database access
  • CRestricting access to DBA activities
  • DReviewing activity logs of the DBA

How the community answered

(37 responses)
  • A
    5% (2)
  • B
    3% (1)
  • C
    3% (1)
  • D
    89% (33)

Why each option

To ensure data extraction queries run by a DBA are monitored, the most effective control is regularly reviewing the activity logs specifically pertaining to the DBA's actions.

APerforming periodic access reviews

Performing periodic access reviews verifies who has access to DBA roles or sensitive data, but it doesn't monitor what actions a DBA performs once they have that access.

BStoring logs of database access

Storing logs of database access is a necessary foundational step, but merely storing them doesn't ensure monitoring; the logs must be actively reviewed to be an effective control.

CRestricting access to DBA activities

Restricting access to DBA activities limits the scope of what a DBA can do, which is a preventive control, but it doesn't monitor the specific data extraction queries they do run within their authorized scope.

DReviewing activity logs of the DBACorrect

Reviewing the activity logs of the Database Administrator (DBA) provides direct evidence of what queries were executed, when, and by whom. This review allows for post-event analysis to ensure that data extraction queries were legitimate, within policy, and did not involve unauthorized data access or modification, thus providing active monitoring of DBA actions.

Concept tested: Database administrator activity monitoring

Topics

#Database security#Privileged access management#Monitoring controls#Audit logs

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