(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What term best describes making a snapshot of a system or application at a point in time for later comparison?

1. Monitoring

2. Baselining

3. Auditing

4. Benchmarking

The correct answer is: Baselining

The term that best describes making a snapshot of a system or application at a specific point in time for later comparison is baselining. Baselining is a critical process in cybersecurity and IT management as it establishes a reference point against which future performance and security can be measured. By creating a baseline, organizations can monitor changes over time, identify anomalies or deviations from the expected norm, and assess the impact of changes made to the system or application. In contrast, monitoring refers to the ongoing observation of systems for performance or security issues without necessarily establishing a fixed reference point for comparison. Auditing involves a formal examination of the records and activities within a system to ensure compliance and accuracy, which is broader in scope than simply capturing a snapshot for comparison purposes. Benchmarking typically involves comparing the performance or processes of one organization against others in the industry, rather than focusing on a single system's state at a certain point in time. By understanding baselining, professionals can effectively manage systems and applications, maintaining their integrity and performance through informed comparisons over time.