What process increases the security of a system by addressing known vulnerabilities?

The process that increases the security of a system by addressing known vulnerabilities is hardening. Hardening involves implementing various security measures to reduce the attack surface of a system. This can include disabling unnecessary services, applying security patches, enforcing strong password policies, and configuring security settings to limit access to sensitive resources. By systematically removing or securing features and components that could be exploited, hardening enhances the overall security posture of a system.

Patching is also a critical component of maintaining security; however, it specifically focuses on applying updates or fixes to software that address specific vulnerabilities. While patching is essential, hardening encompasses a broader range of activities aimed at reducing potential security threats.

Monitoring involves continuously observing network and system activities to detect and respond to anomalies but does not directly change system configurations or reduce vulnerabilities. Testing refers to the evaluation of a system to identify vulnerabilities but does not directly mitigate them unless followed up by corrective actions. Hardening combines these approaches to ensure a more secure environment.