CompTIA Network+ (N10-007) — Question 486

A switch vendor recently released a patch to fix a critical vulnerability found in its switch OS. Which of the following should a network administrator do NEXT according to best practices?

Answer options

• A. Test the patch in a test environment.
• B. Put the patch into production immediately.
• C. Put the patch into production with a rollback plan.
• D. Choose a single production switch and pilot the patch.
• E. Put the patch into production at the next maintenance window.

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is A, as testing the patch in a test environment allows the administrator to verify its effectiveness and uncover any potential issues before it is deployed in production. Options B and C are risky as they involve immediate deployment, which could lead to unforeseen problems. Option D is a reasonable approach, but testing in a broader environment is more comprehensive. Option E delays the patching process, which is not ideal for a critical vulnerability.