ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)Security OperationsMedium

A government contractor is preparing for an audit of its information systems. The audit requires demonstrating that all production systems consistently adhere to a predefined security baseline, including specific operating system settings, installed software versions, and network configurations. Which security operation directly supports proving this consistent adherence?

  1. AConfiguration Management
  2. BAsset Management
  3. CVulnerability Scanning
  4. DSecurity Monitoring
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Configuration Management

Configuration management is the process of maintaining consistency of a system's configuration over time, ensuring it adheres to a defined baseline. This is precisely what's needed to prove consistent adherence to security standards for an audit.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. Asset management tracks inventory, but doesn't manage or verify configurations.
  • C. Vulnerability scanning identifies weaknesses, not adherence to a configuration baseline.
  • D. Security monitoring detects events, it doesn't enforce or prove configuration adherence.

Configuration Management

The process of establishing and maintaining consistency of a system's performance, functional, and physical attributes with its requirements, design, and operational information throughout its life.

  • Ensures systems are configured securely and consistently.
  • Prevents configuration drift and unauthorized changes.
  • Crucial for compliance and auditing.

Memory trick: Consistent Configs Confirm Compliance.

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