What is one risk associated with inappropriate manual intervention in IT systems?

Inappropriate manual intervention in IT systems presents a significant risk of unauthorized access to data. When individuals manually intervene or alter system processes, it may lead to situations where security protocols are bypassed or compromised. This unauthorized access can result in sensitive information being exposed to individuals who should not have access, leading to potential data breaches, loss of confidentiality, and regulatory violations.

The presence of manual interventions increases the likelihood that controls intended to safeguard the system will be overlooked or improperly implemented. This means that, without adequate monitoring, sensitive data could be accessed or manipulated by unauthorized personnel, creating vulnerabilities in the IT environment. A robust control environment is critical to limit access strictly to authorized users and systems, thereby maintaining data integrity and security.

In contrast, the other options suggest positive outcomes that do not align with the risks of inappropriate manual interventions. Increased data accuracy, enhanced report generation, and the creation of standardized processes are desirable attributes that are generally achieved through well-designed IT systems and controlled processes, rather than through manual intervention.