What result is achieved by removing all nonessential services and software of devices for secure configuration of hardware?

The result achieved by removing all nonessential services and software from devices for secure configuration of hardware is referred to as hardening. Hardening is a security process that involves reducing a system's surface of vulnerability by minimizing the attack vectors available to a potential intruder. This practice includes uninstalling unnecessary applications, disabling unused services, and applying stringent configurations to ensure that only necessary functions are operational.

By eliminating nonessential components, the overall risk of exploitation is significantly decreased, thereby enhancing the security posture of the system. Hardening plays a critical role in establishing a secure environment, as it limits the potential avenues through which attackers can gain access, exploit vulnerabilities, or launch attacks. This proactive approach to securing hardware devices is foundational to effective cybersecurity measures.

In contrast, maintenance typically involves regular updates and general management of the hardware or software rather than a focused security enhancement process. Patching refers specifically to updating software to fix vulnerabilities or bugs, while lockdown generally implies restricting access to a system without necessarily removing nonessential components. Thus, hardening is the most accurate term associated with the described actions.