The Microsoft application that helps protect networks against security attacks and helps minimize the attack surface by adding another layer to the defense-in-depth approach is: C. Windows Defender Firewall
Windows Defender Firewall is a network security feature in Microsoft Windows operating systems. It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. The primary purpose of a firewall is to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
The firewall monitors network traffic and can block or allow data packets based on predefined rules. It helps protect against various types of security attacks, including unauthorized access attempts, malware, and other network-based threats.