(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

Which best describes a security patch management program?

1. A method for developing software

2. A process for identifying and deploying patches

3. A strategy for managing staff access

4. A framework for system backups

The correct answer is: A process for identifying and deploying patches

A security patch management program is best described as a process for identifying and deploying patches. This program is essential in maintaining the security posture of systems and applications. It involves several key activities, including: 1. **Identification**: Regularly scanning and assessing software and systems to determine which ones require updates or have vulnerabilities that need to be addressed. 2. **Prioritization**: Evaluating which patches are critical based on the severity of the vulnerability they address and the importance of the affected system. 3. **Testing**: Before deployment, patches should be tested in a controlled environment to ensure that they do not disrupt existing functionalities. 4. **Deployment**: Effectively rolling out the patches to the relevant systems while minimizing potential downtime and disruptions. 5. **Monitoring and Audit**: Continuously tracking the success of the patch deployments and addressing any issues that arise post-deployment. This structured process is crucial for protecting systems from exploits and vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could leverage. It ensures that organizations can maintain an up-to-date security posture in their software environments. In contrast, other choices do not capture the essence of patch management. Developing software is distinct from managing security updates. Managing staff access pertains to user access controls, which is a different