What is the first phase of Security-Focused Configuration Management (SecCM)?

• A. Planning
• B. Identifying and Implementing Configurations
• C. Controlling Configuration Changes
• D. Monitoring

Answer: (A)

Planning establishes the foundation for Security-Focused Configuration Management. It involves setting objectives, defining scope, assigning roles and responsibilities, and deciding the security standards and baselines to be used. This phase creates the governance framework, the configuration items to track, and the criteria for success, guiding every later action. With a solid plan in place, you can accurately identify which configurations need to be implemented, determine how changes will be made, and establish how you will monitor and enforce compliance. Without planning, the rest of SecCM can become inconsistent and reactive, increasing risk. The later steps build on this foundation: you identify and implement secure configurations, control changes to them, and continuously monitor to ensure ongoing security and alignment with the plan.