When assisting IT with data privacy controls, which of the following is an employee-related control?

User passwords serve as a crucial employee-related control within the realm of data privacy. They are a fundamental aspect of security, acting as the primary line of defense against unauthorized access to sensitive information. By requiring employees to create strong and unique passwords, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and ensure that only authorized individuals can access specific systems and data.

When employees are trained on the importance of password security, they contribute to the overall security posture of the organization. Effective password policies include aspects like complexity requirements, regular updates, and guidelines against password sharing, which directly involve employee behavior and responsibilities.

In contrast, breach response procedures are focused on how to react to security incidents after they occur rather than preventing unauthorized access; annual evaluations typically assess compliance or performance rather than directly controlling data access; and contractual requirements involve agreements that may or may not directly impact employee actions. These elements are significant in a broader compliance strategy but do not directly pertain to individual employee conduct in the same way that user passwords do.