100-160 Question 146
Select 3A company’s cybersecurity team has identified multiple vulnerabilities on their Windows servers due to outdated software and drivers. As a Cisco Certified Support Technician, what actions should you recommend to mitigate these vulnerabilities?
- A
Enable automatic Windows Updates to ensure critical patches are installed promptly.
- B
Manually download and install updates only when a security breach occurs.
- C
Regularly update third-party applications that are installed on the servers.
- D
Update device drivers and firmware to ensure compatibility and address security flaws.
- E
Disable all updates to avoid system instability caused by patching.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answers: A, C, D
Explanation
To mitigate vulnerabilities, it is critical to adopt proactive measures such as enabling automatic Windows Updates, regularly updating third-party applications, and ensuring that device drivers and firmware are current. These actions reduce the attack surface by addressing known vulnerabilities and maintaining system stability and compatibility. In contrast, delaying updates or disabling them entirely exposes the system to preventable risks.
- A. Correct.
Enabling automatic Windows Updates ensures that critical security patches are applied in a timely manner, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities being exploited.
- B. Incorrect.
Waiting for a security breach before applying updates is a reactive approach that leaves the system vulnerable to exploitation for extended periods.
- C. Correct.
Third-party applications can also have vulnerabilities, so keeping them updated is essential to maintaining overall system security.
- D. Correct.
Updating device drivers and firmware addresses security flaws and ensures compatibility with the latest patches, enhancing system stability and security.
- E. Incorrect.
Disabling updates increases the risk of security vulnerabilities being exploited, as patches and updates are critical for addressing known issues.