Which practice would BEST mitigate the risk of data leakage in an organization?

Implementing acceptable use policies is the most effective practice for mitigating the risk of data leakage in an organization. Acceptable use policies clearly define how employees can use company resources, including data and information systems. By establishing clear guidelines regarding the handling of sensitive data, employees are made aware of their responsibilities and the potential repercussions of mishandling information. Such policies promote a culture of security and help to ensure that staff are trained on best practices for data protection, reducing the likelihood of accidental or intentional data breaches.

While file backup procedures, database integrity checks, and incident response procedures are important components of an overall risk management strategy, they do not specifically address the day-to-day behaviors and practices of employees that can lead to data leakage. Backup procedures are critical for data recovery, integrity checks ensure that data remains accurate and unaltered, and incident response plans prepare an organization to respond effectively to security breaches. However, without acceptable use policies, employees may still engage in risky behavior, such as downloading sensitive information to insecure devices or sharing it without proper authorization. Thus, establishing and enforcing acceptable use policies is a foundational element in preventing data leakage effectively.