In the context of security, what does the term 'hardening' refer to?

The term 'hardening' in the context of security specifically refers to the process of securing a system by reducing its surface of vulnerability. This involves a variety of practices and measures aimed at minimizing potential attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious users or software.

Hardening may include steps such as removing unnecessary services and programs, applying security patches, configuring system settings to enhance security, and strengthening user authentication methods. By doing so, the system is less susceptible to breaches or attacks because there are fewer points that an attacker could exploit.

While other options such as backing up data, updating software, and training staff are important aspects of an overall security strategy, they are not directly related to the hardening process focused on reducing vulnerabilities in a system.