Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) CybersecurityVulnerability ManagementEasy

A security team is implementing a vulnerability management program and needs to establish a clear policy for handling vulnerabilities. Which of the following is the MOST critical first step in defining a comprehensive vulnerability management policy?

  1. AConducting an initial vulnerability scan.
  2. BSelecting a vulnerability scanning tool.
  3. CEstablishing a patching schedule for all systems.
  4. DDefining roles and responsibilities for vulnerability management.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. Defining roles and responsibilities for vulnerability management.

Before any tools are selected or actions are taken, a clear definition of who is responsible for what aspects of vulnerability management is crucial. This ensures accountability, prevents duplication of effort, and establishes a clear chain of command for identifying, assessing, and remediating vulnerabilities.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Conducting a scan is an operational step, not a policy definition step.
  • B. Selecting a tool comes after defining the process and responsibilities.
  • C. Establishing a patching schedule is a remediation action, which comes after policy definition and assessment.

Vulnerability Management Policy

A formal document outlining an organization's approach to identifying, assessing, prioritizing, and remediating security vulnerabilities.

  • Provides a framework for consistent vulnerability handling.
  • Includes roles, responsibilities, and procedures.
  • Essential for a mature cybersecurity posture.

Memory trick: Policy's foundation is built on who does what, then how, and finally with what tools.

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