Which of the following is the BEST way to detect unauthorized copies of licensed software on systems?

Question

Options

• ARequire senior management approval when installing licenses
• BConduct periodic software scanning
• CPerform periodic counting of licenses
• DImplement controls to prohibit downloads of unauthorized software

• A
  2% (1)
• B
  90% (46)
• C
  6% (3)
• D
  2% (1)

Explanation

Periodic software scanning (using software asset management or discovery tools) actively interrogates each system to inventory all installed software and compare it against the authorized license register. This is a direct detective control that reveals what is actually running on systems. Option A (senior management approval for installs) is a preventive control but does not detect software already installed without approval. Option C (counting licenses) tells you how many licenses you own but not whether unauthorized software is installed. Option D (prohibiting downloads) is also preventive and can be circumvented (e.g., via USB or network shares), so it does not detect violations that have already occurred.

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