A procedure provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to perform a specific, routine task. The scenario describes the creation of "highly detailed instructions" for a recurring operational activity—patching assets using a specific tool. This directly aligns with the definition of a procedure, which operationalizes policies and standards by outlining the exact actions an individual must take to complete a task correctly and consistently. Procedures are the most granular form of documentation in the governance hierarchy, focusing on the "how-to" for a specific function.

A. Process: A process describes a series of related activities to achieve a result but is less detailed than a procedure, focusing on what is done, not the specific how.

C. Standard: A standard is a mandatory rule or baseline that defines specific requirements (e.g., "all patches must be applied within 30 days"), not a set of instructions.

D. Policy: A policy is a high-level document that states management's intent and organizational rules, lacking the operational, step-by-step detail of a procedure.

1. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Glossary:

Procedure: "A set of steps that can be followed to accomplish a task." This definition directly matches the "highly detailed instructions" described in the question.

Policy: "A set of rules that governs all aspects of how an organization conducts business..."

Standard: "A document

established by consensus and approved by a recognized body

that provides for common and repeated use

rules

guidelines or characteristics for activities or their results..."

Source: NIST Computer Security Resource Center (CSRC) Glossary

"Procedure

" "Policy

" "Standard" entries. (https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary)

2. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Information Security Office:

"A procedure is an established or official way of doing something. A procedure is a series of steps followed in a regular

definite order... Procedures provide the step-by-step instructions for how to implement policies and meet standards."

Source: Carnegie Mellon University

Information Security Office

"Policies

Standards

and Procedures." (https://www.cmu.edu/iso/governance/procedures.html)

3. NIST Special Publication 800-12 Rev. 1

An Introduction to Information Security:

This foundational document discusses the hierarchy of security documentation. It explains that procedures are "detailed

step-by-step instructions that are created to ensure that personnel can perform a given task."

Source: NIST SP 800-12 Rev. 1

Section 4.2.2 "Procedures

" Page 33.