Describe the techniques for keeping up with distribution$-$specific security issues, including various communication methods used to keep abreast of security alerts and notices for installed software.

$2)$ What is a gold baseline and what are three primary characteristics? What are some issues related to security updates and baseline systems?

$3)$ When testing new components, why should you keep a version of the existing software configuration? What are some of the best practices for testing updates before releasing them into a production environment? What is beta testing and at what stage of the software life cycle is it usually performed? Explain how you would perform this type of testing.

CIS Controls question:

$1)$ Which CIS controls are independent of the Operating systems, use CIS Sub$-$Control, Asset Type, Security Function, and Control ID to identify? What makes them independent?