The security for the Ministers has been . . . . . . . . up following the attack at a public meeting last evening.

The correct answer is: beefed.

The other options are not as appropriate in this context.

• Steered: This means to direct or guide something. It does not make sense to say that security has been “steered up”.
• Geared: This means to prepare or equip something for a particular purpose. It does not make sense to say that security has been “geared up” following an attack.
• Speeded: This means to make something go faster. It does not make sense to say that security has been “speeded up” following an attack.
• Bloated: This means to make something larger or more swollen. It does not make sense to say that security has been “bloated up” following an attack.

Beefed: This means to make something stronger or more powerful. It makes sense to say that security has been “beefed up” following an attack, as this would mean that more security measures have been put in place to protect the ministers.