Which defense specifically targets staff within an organization regarding social engineering threats?

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of training and informing employees about social engineering threats, which is crucial for enhancing an organization's overall security posture. Policies, Procedures, and Awareness initiatives help to build a culture of security awareness among staff members, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to recognize and counteract social engineering attempts.

These initiatives typically involve educating employees on common tactics used by attackers, such as phishing or pretexting, as well as establishing clear procedures for reporting suspicious activities. Effective awareness programs can empower staff to be the first line of defense, potentially preventing breaches that capitalize on human error.

The other options focus on technical defenses or protective measures relating to data, applications, or network components, which, while important, do not directly address the human element that social engineering exploits. Consequently, policies, procedures, and awareness training stand out as the frontline defense against such threats, aimed directly at people within the organization.