What is the best means to standardize security configuration in similar devices?

The best means to standardize security configuration in similar devices is through the use of baselines. A baseline provides a clear standard or reference point for security configurations across devices that are similar in nature. It outlines the minimum security requirements, settings, and configurations that need to be applied to each device to ensure consistent security posture.

By establishing a baseline, organizations can ensure that all devices are configured in a uniform manner, which helps in reducing vulnerabilities and improving the overall security of the network. This approach enables easier management and auditing of devices, as compliance with the baseline can be regularly assessed.

While policies, procedures, and technical guides all play important roles in the broader context of security management, they do not serve the specific purpose of providing a standardized configuration for devices in the same way that a baseline does. Policies set the general framework and expectations, procedures outline the steps to follow in implementing various security measures, and technical guides may offer detailed instructions or best practices, but none directly facilitate the standardization of security configurations as effectively as baselines do.