A cloud service provider is concerned about the potential risks associated with hardware-based attacks on...

The correct answer is A — Conducting regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.

According to the WGU Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering (KFO1 / D488) materials, performing vulnerability assessments and penetration testing helps identify weaknesses in both hardware and virtual environments. Regular testing ensures that any hardware-related vulnerabilities are discovered and addressed before they can be exploited.

Disabling CPU virtualization support (B) would prevent virtual machines from running, defeating the purpose. A web application firewall (C) monitors traffic at the application layer but does not address hardware risks. Access control policies (D) are important but not directly tied to detecting hardware vulnerabilities.

Reference Extract from Study Guide:

"Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing identify weaknesses in hardware and software environments, providing critical insights for maintaining a hardened and secure posture."

— WGU Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering (KFO1 / D488), Security Testing and Assessment

=============================================