Which of the following practices should be avoided regarding IT personnel's access to data?

Granting unlimited access to IT personnel is a practice that should be avoided because it creates significant security risks. Unlimited access means that individuals can view, modify, or delete any data within the system without any restrictions. This level of access can lead to inadvertent errors, misuse of information, or even malicious activities, making it easier for fraud to occur or for sensitive data to be compromised.

A controlled access model is essential for maintaining security and integrity within any IT environment. By restricting access based on the roles and responsibilities of IT personnel, organizations can minimize the risk of accidental or intentional breaches. Practices like limiting access to production data, restricting changes to production protocols, and using secured logins all contribute to a more secure environment by ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive information.