A process where security patches are routinely applied to systems is known as what?

The correct answer is patch management. This process involves the regular application of security patches to systems to address vulnerabilities and improve security posture. Patch management is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of systems because it helps protect against known exploits and vulnerabilities that attackers might leverage.

In patch management, organizations establish a systematic approach to identify, deploy, and verify patches. This ensures that systems remain up-to-date with the latest security updates, which can mitigate the risks associated with outdated software that could be exploited by cyber threats. Effective patch management involves not only applying patches but also assessing the potential impact of these changes on existing applications and configurations.

Other options, while related to cybersecurity, serve different functions. Vulnerability management focuses on identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing vulnerabilities within systems rather than specifically applying patches. Incident response is the process of managing and mitigating the effects of a security breach or incident after it has occurred. Compliance monitoring ensures that an organization adheres to regulatory requirements and internal policies but does not directly address the routine application of patches.