What is a security baseline?

A security baseline refers to a set of minimum security standards or controls that an organization establishes to protect its information systems and data. It provides a foundation for the organization's security policy, ensuring that there are defined, measurable security requirements that must be adhered to. By establishing a baseline, organizations can assess their current security posture and ensure that they maintain a consistent level of security across their systems.

This set of standards helps to guide the implementation of security measures, making it easier to identify areas where additional controls may be necessary and enabling organizations to benchmark their security efforts against established guidelines or best practices. Security baselines can be tailored to specific regulatory requirements or industry standards, ensuring that the organization's security measures are effective and compliant with applicable laws.

While other options might involve aspects of security, they do not encapsulate the concept of a security baseline. For example, a comprehensive audit examines the entire organization’s security, which is broader than a baseline. Continuous assessment involves ongoing evaluations of security vulnerabilities rather than establishing initial standards. Lastly, a statistical representation of past incidents focuses on historical data rather than defining current protective measures. The concept of a security baseline is fundamentally about setting the standards for security to be maintained and improved upon.