Final answer:
The correct answer to the question is A) general control. General controls encompass controls that are pervasive within the IT environment and provide the overarching framework to safeguard IT systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
A control that relates to all parts of the IT system is called a general control. General controls are important in IT environments because they impact the overall effectiveness and security of the IT system. They differ from application controls, which are designed to ensure the correct operation of applications processing transactions.
Examples of general controls include policies and procedures related to data center operations, system software acquisition and maintenance, access security, and application system development and maintenance. These controls are put in place to create a framework for ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and the overall IT system.