What does the term "vulnerability assessment" refer to?

The term "vulnerability assessment" specifically refers to the process of identifying and analyzing weaknesses in a system. This assessment aims to uncover security vulnerabilities within various components of an organization or system, such as software, networks, and hardware. By conducting a vulnerability assessment, organizations can understand their risk exposure and take proactive steps to mitigate potential security threats.

The process typically involves scanning for known vulnerabilities, evaluating system configurations, and analyzing potential security gaps that could be exploited by an attacker. This critical activity is fundamental to maintaining a robust security posture and is often part of a broader risk management strategy. It helps organizations prioritize which vulnerabilities to address based on factors like the severity of the weakness and the potential impact on the organization if it were to be exploited.