What is a "security baseline"?

A "security baseline" refers to a defined set of minimum security controls that an organization adopts to protect its information assets and systems. This baseline outlines the fundamental security requirements necessary to mitigate risks to an acceptable level, ensuring that essential protections are in place. By establishing a baseline, organizations can create a benchmark for security practices that all systems and processes should meet to provide an adequate defense against threats.

This minimum requirement embodies a foundational layer for security, guiding organizations in implementing essential controls and helping to identify areas that may need further improvement or enhancement over time. It serves as a reference point for security assessments and compliance checks, allowing organizations to evaluate their security posture effectively.

The other options, while relevant to security practices, do not accurately represent what comprises a security baseline. Recommended security upgrades may include enhancements beyond the minimum requirements, a detailed security policy document would cover a broader range of security governance and practices, and a standard report for security audits focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of security measures rather than defining the minimum controls themselves.