Cloud Service Models for Outsourced Patching

Answer Correct answer: E — Software as a Service (SaaS) is the cloud service model that best meets the goal of outsourcing patching of firmware, operating systems, and applications to the chosen cloud vendor.

While considering the organization's cloud-adoption strategy, the Chief Information Security Officer sets a goal to outsource patching of firmware, operating systems, and applications to the chosen cloud vendor. Which of the following best meets this goal?

Community cloud
PaaS
Containerization
Private cloud
SaaS Correct Answer

saas vs paas patching cloud shared responsibility model sy0-601 cloud service models outsourcing cloud security

Community Votes

100%

100% of anonymous learners picked answer E. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Community Insight

The core concept is the division of security responsibilities in cloud models. The common trap is assuming PaaS handles firmware or that IaaS/SaaS share OS patching equally; SaaS removes almost all management tasks from the customer.

This question tests understanding of cloud service models and the shared responsibility matrix. SaaS is the correct answer because it offers the highest level of abstraction, where the provider manages infrastructure, OS, and application patching.

Candidates often select PaaS (B), believing it covers application and OS patching. However, PaaS typically leaves the underlying infrastructure and firmware management to the provider but focuses on the platform layer, whereas SaaS extends this to include the application itself, making it the best fit for 'outsourcing' as described.

Community Discussion (8 comments)

1403ad2 👍 11 Selected: E

choose E 2024-20-2 On Test and passed with 802

johnabayot 👍 6 Selected: E

E. This is because SaaS is the cloud service model that outsources the most responsibilities to the cloud provider, including patching of firmware, operating systems and application. The cloud customer does not need to worry about any of these tasks, as they are handled by the cloud provider.

DrakeMallard 👍 1

From ChatGPT SaaS provides software applications that are hosted in the cloud and accessed via the internet on a subscription basis. With SaaS, the cloud vendor manages the application, including updates and patching. However, this option doesn't cover patching at the firmware or operating system level, which are typically managed at lower levels of the technology stack. IaaS provides virtualized computing resources over the internet, allowing customers to deploy and manage servers, storage, and networking infrastructure. With IaaS, the cloud vendor typically manages the underlying infrastructure, including patching of firmware, operating systems, and sometimes even application-level updates, making it the option that best meets the goal of outsourcing patching responsibilities to the chosen cloud vendor.

Payu1994 👍 3

In a SaaS model, the cloud provider typically manages the application software and the underlying infrastructure, but not the firmware. In the context of your question, B. PaaS (Platform as a Service) would indeed be a more appropriate choice. In a PaaS model, the cloud provider manages and patches the operating system and middleware, while the customer is responsible for the applications and data. This allows the organization to outsource patching of the operating system, which aligns with the goal set by the Chief Information Security Officer.

dfc6822 👍 1

F. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) would best meet the goal of outsourcing patching of firmware, operating systems, and applications to the chosen cloud vendor. IaaS provides virtualized computing resources over the internet, allowing organizations to rent virtual machines, storage, and networking infrastructure

Jay987654 👍 3 Selected: E

The best option to meet the goal of outsourcing patching of firmware, operating systems, and applications to the chosen cloud vendor is E. Software as a Service (SaaS). In a SaaS model, the cloud service provider manages all aspects of the application environment, including the infrastructure, operating systems, middleware, and data. This includes patch management for all these components. Other models like Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and private or community clouds would require some level of management from the organization itself.

Hs1208 👍 2

B. PaaS (Platform as a Service)

LuckyAro 👍 3 Selected: B

PaaS : Allows customers to develop, run, and manage applications without dealing with the complexities of underlying infrastructure, including patching of firmware, operating systems, and applications.

Comments & Corrections

No comments yet — spotted an error or have a note? Share it below.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

SaaS (Software as a Service) represents the highest level of abstraction in cloud computing. In this model, the vendor is responsible for managing the entire stack: physical hardware, firmware, network, operating system, middleware, runtime, and data. By choosing SaaS, the organization outsources the patching of firmware, operating systems, and applications entirely to the vendor, aligning perfectly with the CISO's goal.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

PaaS (Platform as a Service) requires the customer to manage deployed applications and potentially some configuration settings, though the vendor handles the OS and runtime. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) requires the customer to patch the guest OS and applications. Private and Community clouds are deployment models, not service models, and do not inherently define who performs the patching; they describe where the infrastructure resides. Containerization is a technology, not a service model, and does not dictate the patching responsibility boundary.

Community Comment Notes

Community consensus strongly favors SaaS, with many users noting that it offloads the most responsibilities. One user pointed out that SaaS handles 'all aspects of the application environment,' including updates and patching. Another comment highlighted that while PaaS manages the OS, SaaS goes further by managing the application itself, which is key to the question's requirement of outsourcing application patching.

Official Reference

https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/145/final

Exam Strategy

When a question asks about 'outsourcing' or 'managing' the widest range of components (especially down to firmware/OS), look for the service model with the least customer control. SaaS is always the answer for maximum vendor management of the stack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SaaS cover firmware patching?

Yes. In SaaS, the vendor manages the entire stack including physical hardware and firmware. The customer only accesses the software via a browser.

Why not PaaS for this goal?

PaaS requires the customer to manage the applications they deploy. SaaS includes the application layer, allowing full outsourcing of application patching.

Related Analysis

← Back to SY0-601 Study Guide