Final answer:
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools are essential for monitoring and defending against cyber threats by aggregating and analyzing security-related data. They utilize intelligence and counterintelligence services to detect external and internal risks, aligning with definitions and regulations such as the Personal Data Notification & Protection Act of 2017.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the student's question 'Security_____and event management (siem) tools enable security professionals to identify and analyze threats, risks, and vulnerabilities' is A. Information. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools help cybersecurity experts by aggregating and analyzing data from various sources within an organization to detect abnormal behavior or potential cyber threats.
These tools are critical for defending against cyber attacks by using intelligence services to defeat threats. SIEM systems also are part of a comprehensive security strategy that includes counterintelligence services to protect the nation from internal threats, like the misuse of internal resources or data breaches.
To confirm the seriousness of security breaches and the role of SIEM, the Personal Data Notification & Protection Act of 2017 clearly defines a security breach, emphasizing the significance of unauthorized access to sensitive personally identifiable information.