Final answer:
General control activities encompass controlling the output of programs and data, changes to existing programs, the development of new programs, and access to programs and data to ensure the functionality and security of information systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
General control activities include actions that aim to ensure the proper functioning and security of information systems within organizations. These controls relate to a variety of processes and components within the IT environment. Specifically, the activities that control:
output of programs and data,changes to existing programs,development of new programs, andaccess to programs and data
are all considered general control activities? These activities help maintain data integrity, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure that changes to systems adhere to established policies and procedures. Controls on the output of programs and data help verify that data processing yields accurate, complete, and authorized outcomes. Managing changes to existing programs ensures that modifications do not introduce errors or vulnerabilities. The development of new programs involves rigorous testing and validation to meet specified requirements. Controlling access to programs and data is fundamental to protect sensitive information from unauthorized use and to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of the data.