Discover the best approach for ensuring vendor-supported software stays current. Learn why release and patch management is crucial for software security and compliance in this CISA exam question breakdown.
Table of Contents
Question
Which of the following provides the BEST assurance that vendor-supported software remains up to date?
A. Software asset management
B. Version management
C. Licensing agreement and escrow
D. Release and patch management
Answer
D. Release and patch management
Explanation
Release and patch management is the most effective way to ensure that vendor-supported software remains up to date. This process involves the systematic deployment of software updates, including new features, bug fixes, and security patches, to maintain the software’s integrity, functionality, and security.
Here’s why release and patch management provides the best assurance:
- Timely updates: Release and patch management ensures that software updates are promptly applied as soon as they become available from the vendor. This minimizes the window of vulnerability and reduces the risk of exploitation.
- Comprehensive coverage: A well-implemented release and patch management process covers all relevant software components, including operating systems, applications, and middleware, ensuring that no critical updates are missed.
- Consistency and standardization: Release and patch management follows a structured approach, using standardized procedures and tools to deploy updates consistently across the organization. This reduces the likelihood of errors and ensures that all systems are at the same patch level.
- Security focus: Patch management prioritizes the application of security patches, which address known vulnerabilities and protect against potential threats. By promptly applying security patches, organizations can significantly reduce their exposure to cyber risks.
While the other options mentioned (software asset management, version management, and licensing agreement and escrow) are important aspects of software management, they do not directly address the need to keep software up to date and secure.
In summary, release and patch management is the most effective approach for ensuring that vendor-supported software remains current, secure, and compliant with organizational policies and industry standards. By prioritizing this process, organizations can significantly reduce their exposure to software vulnerabilities and maintain the integrity of their IT systems.
ISACA CISA certification exam assessment practice question and answer (Q&A) dump including multiple choice questions (MCQ) and objective type questions, with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the ISACA CISA exam and earn ISACA CISA certification.