What is the difference between a threat and a vulnerability?

The distinction between a threat and a vulnerability is crucial in cybersecurity. A threat refers to any potential event or actor that could exploit a weakness and cause harm to an information system. This includes various forms of attacks or malicious activities, like hacking attempts, viruses, or insider threats. In contrast, a vulnerability is a specific weakness within a system or its defenses that can be exploited by a threat. Vulnerabilities can arise from various factors, including software bugs, misconfigurations, or lack of security measures.

Understanding this differentiation helps organizations assess their security posture effectively. By identifying vulnerabilities, they can implement appropriate measures to mitigate risks associated with the threats they face. Therefore, recognizing that a threat is a potential cause of an incident while a vulnerability is a weakness clarifies their roles in the broader context of security management.