Final answer:
The SCAP scanner is the best tool to support the use of the provided XML format definitions for a holistic configuration compliance test of networked assets.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tool that best supports the use of the provided XML format definitions is the SCAP scanner.
The SCAP (Security Content Automation Protocol) scanner is specifically designed to assess the compliance of networked assets by scanning and evaluating their configuration settings.
It uses predefined XML definitions, called SCAP content, to compare the actual configurations against the desired settings.
Using an SCAP scanner ensures that the holistic configuration compliance test is comprehensive and accurate, helping the assessor identify any security vulnerabilities or deviations from the desired configuration.
The student is asking which tool is best suited for performing a holistic configuration compliance check of network assets using definitions provided in XML format.
The correct answer to the question is C. SCAP scanner. SCAP, which stands for Security Content Automation Protocol, utilizes a number of open standards for automating the process of auditing, measuring, and enforcing security across various software products and systems.
SCAP scanners are designed to interpret SCAP data (such as the XML files mentioned) and assess systems for vulnerabilities, configuration issues, and compliance with security benchmarks.