For a cost-effective solution against brute force attacks, what should a small healthcare organization implement?

• A. Increased user training
• B. Limiting failed login attempts with an account lockout policy
• C. Regular software updates
• D. Multi-factor authentication

Answer: (B)

Implementing a policy that limits failed login attempts with an account lockout mechanism is a highly effective approach to mitigate the risks associated with brute force attacks. This policy helps secure user accounts by temporarily locking them after a predefined number of unsuccessful login attempts. By doing so, it significantly increases the workload and time required for an attacker to successfully guess a password, thereby reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access.

This method acts as a deterrent, as attackers would not only face the challenge of guessing passwords but also the frustration of account lockouts after surpassing the limit of allowed attempts. Additionally, this approach aligns well with the needs of a small healthcare organization that may not have extensive resources to implement more complex security solutions.

While user training helps increase awareness about security practices, it does not directly prevent brute force attacks. Regular software updates are essential for overall system security but are not specifically tailored to address the risks posed by brute force attempts. Multi-factor authentication is a strong security measure that provides additional protection but might require more resources and user compliance than a simple account lockout policy.

Limitations on failed login attempts thus serve as a practical and effective measure, particularly for organizations seeking a cost-effective and straightforward solution to enhance their security posture against brute force attacks.