The Windows program that handles security and logon policies is __________.

The correct answer is lsass.exe. This executable stands for Local Security Authority Subsystem Service, and it is an essential component in the Windows operating system responsible for enforcing the security policy on the system. Specifically, lsass.exe handles logon processes, authenticating users, and managing security tokens, which are critical for maintaining secure access to Windows resources.

When a user logs in, lsass.exe verifies the credentials and processes the logon requests, ensuring that only authenticated users can access their accounts and associated permissions. It also generates security tokens that represent the security context of users and groups, thus helping the system enforce security decisions effectively.

In contrast, csrss.exe, which stands for Client/Server Runtime Subsystem, primarily handles the Windows user interface and manages graphical aspects of the operating system, while smss.exe, or Session Manager Subsystem, orchestrates the system startup and manages system sessions. ntdetect.com is an older component from the boot process of Windows that is used for detecting hardware but is not directly related to security and logon policies.