What activity represents regular preventive maintenance for security software?

• A. Updating / patching to the latest versions of antivirus software
• B. Turning off automatic updates
• C. Installing only one antivirus on the network
• D. Disabling firewall

Answer: (A)

Regular preventive maintenance for security software means keeping the antivirus program up to date by applying updates and patches as they’re released. When you update the software and its virus definitions, it can recognize and defend against newly discovered malware and close known security gaps in the program itself. This proactive maintenance helps ensure the protective layer remains effective against current threats and works well with other system updates.

Other options don’t fit this ongoing protection role: turning off automatic updates leaves the defenses exposed by missing important fixes and newer malware definitions; relying on only one antivirus on the network doesn’t address consistent maintenance and can create gaps in protection; disabling the firewall removes a critical line of defense and is not a maintenance activity.