(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What term best defines step-by-step instructions in a security framework?

1. Procedures

2. Policies

3. Standards

4. Guidelines

The correct answer is: Procedures

The term that best defines step-by-step instructions in a security framework is procedures. Procedures are specific, detailed, and clear instructions on how to carry out specific tasks or processes within an organization. They are designed to help ensure that policies and standards are implemented consistently and effectively. In a security context, procedures dictate the exact steps personnel should follow to maintain security and manage risks, ensuring that everyone knows how to respond to incidents, apply controls, and maintain compliance with established protocols. This aspect of procedures makes them essential for achieving operational consistency and security assurance. The other options, while related, do not convey the same level of specificity. Policies establish the overall principles or rules that guide decision-making and set the direction for security practices. Standards are often measurable criteria that support policies by providing explicit benchmarks that must be met. Guidelines offer recommended practices or options that provide flexibility and advise on how to achieve objectives rather than requiring strict adherence to specific steps. Thus, procedures are uniquely positioned as the concrete step-by-step instructions within a security framework, fulfilling this particular role effectively.