ISC2 Exam CISSP Topic 5 Question 97 Discussion

The most important statement to convey to reviewers when setting expectations for reviewing the results of a security test is that the results of the tests represent a point-in-time assessment of the target(s). A security test is a process of evaluating and measuring the security posture and performance of an information system or a network, by using various tools, techniques, and methods, such as vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, or security auditing. The results of a security test reflect the security state of the target(s) at the time of the test, and they may not be valid or accurate for a different time period, as the security environment and conditions may change due to various factors, such as new threats, patches, updates, or configurations. Therefore, reviewers should understand that the results of a security test are not definitive or permanent, but rather indicative or temporary, and that they should be interpreted and used accordingly. The statement that the target's security posture cannot be further compromised is not true, as a security test does not guarantee or ensure the security of the target(s), but rather identifies and reports the security issues or weaknesses that may exist. The statement that the accuracy of testing results can be greatly improved if the target(s) are properly hardened is not relevant, as a security test is not meant to improve the accuracy of the results, but rather to assess the security of the target(s), and hardening the target(s) before the test may not reflect the actual or realistic security posture of the target(s). The statement that the deficiencies identified can be corrected immediately is not realistic, as a security test may identify various types of deficiencies that may require different levels of effort, time, and resources to correct, and some deficiencies may not be correctable at all, due to technical, operational, or financial constraints.