Also known as vulnerability assessment, a vulnerability analysis is a systematic examination of an information system or product to determine the adequacy of security measures, identify security deficiencies, provide data from which to predict the effectiveness of proposed security measures, and confirm the adequacy of such measures after implementation.
In the context of cybersecurity, a vulnerability is a weakness or flaw in a system’s design, implementation, or operation that could be exploited by attackers to compromise the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of the system or its data. Vulnerabilities can exist in various components of a system, including software, hardware, networks, and human factors. Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities is a crucial aspect of cybersecurity to protect systems and data from unauthorized access, attacks, or damage.