What does the initial deployment of Threatlocker do during the baseline phase?

During the initial deployment of Threatlocker, the baseline phase is focused on establishing a comprehensive understanding of the environment it will be securing. The process includes scanning and cataloging existing files and drivers on the system. This is crucial as it allows Threatlocker to create a baseline reference of all legitimate applications and system files in the environment.

By doing this, Threatlocker can effectively identify what is normal and expected in the system, which is critical for its ongoing operation of enforcing application whitelisting and blocking unauthorized or malicious software. This step is foundational, ensuring that any future security policies or interventions are informed by a complete and accurate inventory of the system's existing assets.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the key activity carried out during the baseline phase. Performance acceleration might be a secondary benefit resulting from a secured environment, but it isn't a direct action in this phase. Eliminating malware is a goal that comes after the baseline phase, when the system is actively monitored and managed. Creating an internet connection is not a task tied to the baseline assessment; rather, it pertains to infrastructure setup. Hence, cataloging existing files and drivers is the precise action during the baseline phase set by Threatlocker.