Which of the following is NOT a step in the four-step interconnect process?

• A. Plan
• B. Establish
• C. Maintain
• D. Integrate

Answer: (D)

The four-step interconnect process focuses on planning, establishing the baseline for the connection, and maintaining it over time. Planning outlines what will connect, how data will flow, and what security controls are required. Establishing creates the technical baseline, defines interfaces, governance, and responsibilities, and sets up the controls that will govern the interconnection. Maintaining covers ongoing monitoring, updates, and changes to the interconnection to keep it secure and functional. Integration, as an activity of actually bringing components together, is performed during planning and establishing and continues as part of ongoing maintenance rather than as a separate, standalone phase. That’s why integrating is not listed as a distinct step in this model.