(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What is used to track changes in configurations over time?

1. Snapshots

2. Diagrams

3. Baselines

4. Reports

The correct answer is: Baselines

The term that accurately describes tracking changes in configurations over time is baselines. A baseline is a reference point in the configuration of a system that serves as a standard for future comparisons. It represents a known and verified state of the system, allowing for easy identification of deviations or changes in the configuration. When managing configurations, baselines provide a way to monitor how settings and system states evolve. By establishing a baseline, organizations can ensure that any configurations implemented after that point are compared against a stable reference. This helps in identifying unauthorized changes, assessing compliance with security policies, and maintaining overall system integrity. Snapshots may capture the state of a system at a specific moment, but they do not inherently track changes over time unless analyzed repeatedly. Diagrams can visually represent configurations but do not offer a historical record of changes. Reports can summarize configuration states but don’t necessarily track changes in a detailed, chronological manner. Thus, baselines serve the specific purpose of monitoring and managing configuration changes effectively.