SSCP Security Operations and Administration Practice Question
What is the primary purpose of a baseline configuration in configuration management?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between a baseline configuration (the desired secure state) and the CMDB (the database that stores configuration items), so candidates mistakenly select the CMDB option because they confuse the repository with the purpose of the baseline itself.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
To provide a consistent, secure starting point for systems
A baseline configuration in configuration management defines a known, secure, and consistent state for a system at a specific point in time. This baseline serves as the foundation for all subsequent changes, ensuring that systems are deployed with hardened settings and that any deviations can be detected and remediated. It directly supports security operations by enforcing minimum security standards and simplifying compliance auditing.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
To provide a consistent, secure starting point for systems
Why this is correct
A baseline configuration defines the approved, hardened settings — services, ports, registry values — that every system must match, giving configuration management a measurable reference for detecting drift. This satisfies the stem's purpose by establishing the consistent, secure starting point from which deviations are identified and corrected.
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To store configuration items in the CMDB
Why it's wrong here
A CMDB records and relates configuration items; it is the repository, not the baseline itself. Storing CIs is the correct answer when the question asks where configuration data is held, but a baseline is the approved, frozen snapshot used to detect and control drift.
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To detect malware infections
Why it's wrong here
Malware detection belongs to endpoint protection and monitoring tools, which compare activity against signatures or behaviour. A baseline configuration captures an approved known-good state of a system so deviations can be identified; it is the right answer when the question concerns detecting unauthorised configuration change.
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To track software licenses
Why it's wrong here
Software licence tracking is a separate asset-management function, often recorded as attributes within the CMDB. A baseline configuration defines the approved, documented settings a system must retain, serving as the reference for change control and drift detection rather than licence reconciliation.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SSCP exam.