The information security technician wants to ensure security controls are deployed and functioning as
intended to be able to maintain an appropriate security posture. Which of the following security
techniques is MOST appropriate to do this?

A.
Log audits

B.
System hardening

C.
Use IPS/IDS

D.
Continuous security monitoring

Explanation:
A security baseline is the security setting of a system that is known to be secure. This is the initial security
setting of a system. Once the baseline has been applied, it must be maintained or improved. Maintaining
the security baseline requires continuous monitoring.
Incorrect Answers:A: Auditing logs is good practice. However, it is only one aspect of maintaining security posture. This
question asks for the MOST appropriate answer. Continuous security monitoring covers all aspects of
maintaining security posture so it is a more appropriate answer.
B: Hardening is the process of securing a system by reducing its surface of vulnerability. Reducing the
surface of vulnerability typically includes removing or disabling unnecessary functions and features,
removing or disabling unnecessary user accounts, disabling unnecessary protocols and ports, and
disabling unnecessary services.
C: An IPS/IDS (intrusion prevention system/intrusion detection system) is used to detect and prevent
malicious activity on a network or a host. However, there is more to maintaining security posture that this
one aspect and should be a part of continuous security monitoring.

Stewart, James Michael, Stewart, James Michael, CompTIA Security+ Review Guide, Sybex, Indianapolis,
2014, Sybex, Indianapolis, 2014, pp. 12, 61, 130
Dulaney, Emmett and Chuck Eastton, CompTIA Security+ Study Guide, 6th Edition, Sybex, Indianapolis,
2014, pp. 208, 215-217, 222