CompTIA Cloud+ Practice Test

What is the primary function of a security configuration baseline in an organization?

1. To create new software licenses

2. To standardize security settings

3. To manage user authentication

4. To improve network speed

The correct answer is: To standardize security settings

The primary function of a security configuration baseline in an organization is to standardize security settings. Having a consistent and agreed-upon security configuration helps to ensure that all systems within the organization are protected in a uniform manner, reducing vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. Establishing a baseline involves defining the minimum acceptable security measures that should be applied across hardware, software, and network devices, which can greatly enhance the security posture of the organization. Standardizing security settings also aids in compliance with industry regulations and standards, as it provides a framework for evaluating the security of systems consistently. This makes it easier for security teams to identify deviations from the baseline that may indicate security risks or breaches. In contrast, creating new software licenses does not directly relate to security configuration baselines, as that pertains more to software management and compliance issues. Managing user authentication, while important for security, is a separate function that focuses specifically on ensuring that only authorized users have access to systems and data. Improving network speed does not relate to security configurations at all, as it concerns performance optimization rather than security measures.