What are technical security controls primarily used for?

Technical security controls are primarily designed to prevent unauthorized access to organizational devices by leveraging technology to enforce security policies. These controls can include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, and access control mechanisms. They serve as the first line of defense against threats and vulnerabilities, helping to protect sensitive data and maintain the integrity of systems.

While training employees on security awareness, developing incident response plans, and managing network performance are important aspects of an organization's overall security posture, they do not specifically fall under the category of technical security controls. Employee training focuses on awareness and behavior, incident response plans prepare for handling security breaches or incidents, and network performance management relates to ensuring efficient and effective network operations. Thus, option B clearly aligns with the primary function of technical security controls, which is to safeguard against unauthorized access and related security threats.