Importance of a Security Vulnerability Management Program

C.

The successful establishment of a security vulnerability management program requires a range of elements to work in tandem. While all the options mentioned in the question have their own importance, the most critical element among them is a comprehensive asset inventory. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

A comprehensive asset inventory allows an organization to identify all its IT assets, including hardware, software, network infrastructure, and other related components. This inventory also enables an organization to keep track of the vulnerabilities present in each asset, making it easier to prioritize and address the most critical security threats.

Without a comprehensive asset inventory, an organization may overlook critical assets that require security patches, making them vulnerable to cyber threats. Furthermore, the absence of an inventory may lead to vulnerabilities being exploited, which could have a significant impact on an organization's operations and reputation.

While a tested incident response plan is crucial for an organization, it is reactive in nature and is only activated when an incident occurs. Therefore, it is not as essential as a comprehensive asset inventory for the successful establishment of a security vulnerability management program.

Similarly, an approved patching policy is essential, but it relies on having a comprehensive asset inventory to identify vulnerabilities that need to be patched. A robust tabletop exercise plan is also valuable, but it focuses more on testing the effectiveness of the organization's incident response plan and the decision-making process during a crisis.

In conclusion, a comprehensive asset inventory is critical for the successful establishment of a security vulnerability management program, making option A the correct answer.