What control should have been in place to minimize a security breach when a laboratory employee forgot his password?

The most effective control to minimize the risk of a security breach in this scenario would be workforce security awareness training. Proper training ensures that employees are equipped with the knowledge to adhere to security protocols, such as the importance of password management. This includes understanding best practices for creating strong passwords, recognizing the potential consequences of forgotten passwords, and knowing how to securely reset their passwords without exposing the organization to unnecessary risk.

When employees are aware of security protocols and the implications of their actions, they are less likely to make errors that could lead to security breaches. Awareness training fosters an environment where employees understand their responsibilities in protecting sensitive data and systems, thus reducing the likelihood of incidents arising from negligence or lack of knowledge.

While the other options—such as access controls, security incident procedures, and a security management process—are also important components of a comprehensive security strategy, they do not directly address the foundational issue of employee awareness and education regarding security practices.