What is the GREATEST risk associated with shared user accounts during an analysis of logical access controls?

The greatest risk associated with shared user accounts during an analysis of logical access controls is that user accountability may not be established. When multiple individuals use the same shared account, it becomes nearly impossible to determine which specific person performed a given action within the system. This lack of accountability can lead to significant challenges in tracking unauthorized access, identifying responsible parties in the event of a security incident, and enforcing policies related to auditing and compliance.

Without the ability to link actions to individual users, organizations face difficulties in responding to security breaches, understanding user behavior for risk assessments, and maintaining overall data security and integrity. This diminishes the effectiveness of security protocols and increases vulnerability to both accidental and malicious attacks.

While risks such as data integrity, network traffic management, and system performance are important, they do not illustrate the core issue of accountability that arises from shared user accounts. A clear audit trail and individual responsibility are crucial for maintaining strong security postures and ensuring compliance with various regulations and industry standards.