Which administrative control would most effectively reduce malware execution occurrences?

Implementing security awareness training is a crucial administrative control that significantly reduces the risk of malware execution. By educating employees about the various forms of malware, how they can be delivered (such as through phishing emails or infected downloads), and safe computing practices, organizations empower their staff to recognize and avoid potential threats. This awareness can lead to a more vigilant workforce, where employees are better equipped to identify suspicious behaviors and report them before they escalate into incidents.

Additionally, training can instill good cybersecurity hygiene among employees, such as avoiding the clicking of unknown links, downloading unverified software, and maintaining the integrity of their devices. Cultivating a security-conscious culture ultimately contributes to reducing the chances of malware infecting the system, as individuals become active participants in safeguarding their organization's information assets.

While other options, like updating network intrusion detection systems (NIDS), establishing change control procedures, and optimizing endpoint detection and response (EDR), play important roles in an organization's overall security posture, they primarily focus on detection, response, and control mechanisms rather than directly addressing user behavior and knowledge, which are pivotal in thwarting malware execution effectively.