Exam CAS-004 topic 1 question 456 discussion

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The first step in reducing the attack surface in an environment with vulnerable, end-of-support systems is: D. Installing all available patches. Installing patches is the most immediate and effective way to address known vulnerabilities in software and systems. Since the systems are end-of-support, they may not receive regular updates from the vendor, so it is critical to install any remaining available patches that address security flaws. This can help prevent exploitation of those known vulnerabilities and significantly reduce the attack surface by fixing weaknesses that attackers could exploit. NOT A. Utilizing hardening recommendations: While hardening recommendations (such as disabling unnecessary services, adjusting permissions, and enforcing security policies) are important to secure systems, patching vulnerabilities should be the first priority. Hardening alone won't fix existing vulnerabilities, especially those that are patched by the vendor.

The answer is D: patching should always come first in this scenario. Addressing known vulnerabilities through patches provides a critical layer of defense and sets the stage for effective hardening. Once systems are updated and vulnerabilities are mitigated, hardening can then be implemented to enhance the security posture further. This sequential approach maximizes protection against potential threats, especially in environments dealing with vulnerable and unsupported systems.