Which primary security control should be used by all cloud accounts, including individual users, to defend against the widest range of attacks?

Multi-factor authentication is a fundamental security control that enhances the protection of cloud accounts. By requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access, it significantly decreases the likelihood of unauthorized access. This multi-layered approach acts as a barrier against various attack vectors, including phishing, password theft, and brute force attacks. Even if an attacker compromises a user's password, they would still require a second form of verification, such as a code sent to a mobile device, making it much harder for them to succeed.

This control is applicable to all types of cloud accounts—personal, organizational, or enterprise—because the principle of verifying identity through multiple methods is universally beneficial in preventing unauthorized access. In an environment where threats are continually evolving, multi-factor authentication stands out as a straightforward yet highly effective measure that individuals and organizations can implement immediately to bolster their security posture.