Countermeasures for protecting cloud operations against external attackers include all of the following except?

The correct choice is based on the context of protecting cloud operations against external attackers. Hardened devices and systems, continual monitoring for anomalous activity, and regular configuration/change management activities are all essential components for securing cloud environments against external threats.

Hardened devices and systems involve applying security configurations to minimize vulnerabilities, making it more difficult for external attackers to exploit any weaknesses. Continual monitoring allows organizations to detect any unusual patterns of behavior that could indicate an attempted breach, effectively serving as an early warning system. Regular configuration and change management help ensure that security measures are maintained over time and that any modifications do not introduce new vulnerabilities.

In contrast, conducting detailed and extensive background checks primarily serves as a method for managing insider threats and ensuring that personnel who have access to sensitive information or systems are trustworthy. While important for overall security posture, it does not directly address the specific challenge of protecting cloud operations from attacks initiated by external actors, making it the option that does not fit with the focus of countermeasures aimed specifically at external threats.