What is a "security patch"?

A "security patch" refers to an update specifically designed to address security vulnerabilities found within software. It is essential for maintaining the security integrity of applications and systems. Security patches typically include fixes for known exploits, bugs, or vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. By applying these patches, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches, ensuring that their software remains resilient against potential threats.

The other options do not correctly describe a security patch. Logging protocols focus on tracking user activities rather than addressing vulnerabilities, monitoring tools assess system performance without directly dealing with security flaws, and coding best practices provide guidelines for secure development but do not themselves constitute a patch or update to existing software. Thus, the definition of a security patch as an update to fix security vulnerabilities and enhance software security is accurate and reflects its critical role in secure software design and maintenance.