When deciding whether to apply specific updates, it is best to follow ________, in order to demonstrate due care.

Following vendor guidance when deciding whether to apply specific updates is critical for demonstrating due care for several reasons. Vendor guidance provides detailed information on the functionality, compatibility, and security benefits of updates. This guidance is tailored specifically to the products in use, ensuring that organizations implement updates that maintain or enhance the security posture of their systems.

Through vendor recommendations, organizations can stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities and exploitations that could arise from outdated software. Implementing these updates as specified by the vendor helps to ensure that systems are protected according to the best established practices and technologies that the vendor has developed.

While internal policy, competitors’ actions, and regulations may provide a broader framework for decision-making, vendor guidance is specifically relevant to the technical and operational aspects of the software being used. By adhering to vendor guidance, organizations can substantiate their actions as demonstrating due diligence and care in maintaining a secure environment.