Which term describes controls implemented at the application level to secure sensitive information in an organization?

The term that describes controls implemented at the application level to secure sensitive information in an organization is application security. This area focuses on measures taken to protect applications from threats during their development and deployment. It encompasses techniques like secure coding practices, vulnerability scanning, and the use of authentication and authorization mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive information.

Application security is crucial because it directly addresses vulnerabilities that can be exploited through applications, such as web or mobile apps, which often interface with sensitive databases or handle personal information. By implementing strong application security measures, organizations can better protect their data from breaches and cyber threats that target the application layer.

Other terms, while related to security, refer to different aspects. Operating system security pertains to the protections in place for the operating systems that run applications but does not specifically address vulnerabilities within the applications themselves. Database security focuses on the protection of database management systems and the data they store, which is a separate concern than the application layer. Physical security involves safeguarding physical premises and hardware from unauthorized access or damage, which, although important, does not address application-level concerns specifically.