For which of the following scenarios would a deterrent control be most appropriate?

A deterrent control is designed to discourage or prevent undesirable actions, particularly in the context of security and safety measures. It works by creating an environment where the perceived risk of being caught or facing consequences outweighs the potential benefits of engaging in the undesirable behavior.

In the context of the scenario where the focus is on preventing unauthorized access, a deterrent control is highly effective because it serves to dissuade individuals from attempting to breach security measures. This can include measures such as security cameras, warning signs, or barriers that signal a level of surveillance and consequence for unauthorized actions. The mere presence of these controls can make an intruder think twice about their intent to access secured areas, thereby promoting a layer of security based on the fear of detection.

On the other hand, the isolation of a fire source, containing escalating threats, or repairing a damaged system involves more direct intervention and remedial actions rather than deterrence. Those scenarios typically rely on physical or technical controls aimed at direct responses to incidents rather than measures that simply discourage unauthorized behaviors. Therefore, the focus on preventing unauthorized access aligns perfectly with the purpose and function of deterrent controls.