Which practice should an incident responder avoid while addressing security misconfiguration attacks?

Using default settings for configurations should be avoided by incident responders when addressing security misconfiguration attacks. Default settings are often well-known and can be easily exploited by attackers who leverage common vulnerabilities associated with these defaults. These settings may not have been tailored to the specific security needs of the environment and might lack sufficient protections against potential threats.

By avoiding reliance on default configurations, organizations can ensure that their systems are fortified against known vulnerabilities. Properly customized configurations take into account the unique requirements and security posture of the organization, helping to mitigate risks associated with security misconfigurations. Thus, the practice of using default settings leaves systems exposed and less secure.