In payroll security, which measure is most directly aimed at preventing unauthorized access to payroll data?

• A. Limited system access
• B. Regular data back-up and storage
• C. Protection against computer viruses
• D. System edits

Answer: (A)

Limiting system access directly addresses who is allowed to enter the payroll system and view or modify its data. By enforcing authentication, role-based permissions, least-privilege policies, and activity logging, you ensure that only authorized personnel can reach payroll records. This creates a gate at the point of entry, which is the most effective way to prevent unauthorized access.

Backups protect data if something goes wrong or data is lost, but they don’t stop an unauthorized user from accessing the live system. Antivirus reduces risk from malware, yet it doesn’t inherently limit who can log in or view data. System edits concern how data is changed and tracked, not who is allowed to access the data in the first place.