(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What is the primary function of a security content automation protocol (SCAP)?

1. A method for user authentication

2. A standardized approach to assessing security vulnerabilities and configurations

3. A protocol for real-time threat detection

4. A communication plan for incident response

The correct answer is: A standardized approach to assessing security vulnerabilities and configurations

The primary function of a security content automation protocol (SCAP) is to provide a standardized approach to assessing security vulnerabilities and configurations. SCAP is a framework that enables organizations to automate the collection and comparison of security-related information. By using standardized data formats and protocols, SCAP facilitates the automated identification of vulnerabilities and the assessment of system configurations against established benchmarks. This standardization is crucial because it allows for consistency across different tools and platforms, making it easier for organizations to understand their security posture and identify areas that require attention. SCAP includes several components, such as the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) list, which provides a reference for known vulnerabilities, and the Security Content Automation Protocol language (SCAP language), which defines how security content can be expressed and communicated. The other options do not align with the core purpose of SCAP. User authentication, real-time threat detection, and incident response communication plans represent different aspects of security management and operation, but they fall outside the specific focus of SCAP on vulnerability assessment and configuration assessment.