Certified Information Systems Auditor Practice Exam

The correct definition of 'vulnerability' in cybersecurity refers to a weakness in security protocols, systems, or processes that can be exploited by threats to gain unauthorized access or cause harm. Vulnerabilities can manifest in various forms, such as software bugs, misconfigurations, or inadequate security measures. Identifying and addressing these weaknesses is a fundamental part of cybersecurity practices, as it helps organizations strengthen their defenses against potential attacks.

The other choices do not accurately describe what a vulnerability is: a successful attack on a system indicates an exploitation of a vulnerability, but it does not define the vulnerability itself. An improvement in security measures refers to enhancements made to mitigate risks, which may address vulnerabilities but does not represent a vulnerability directly. A regular maintenance schedule pertains to a routine process for keeping systems running optimally and securely, but again, it does not capture the essence of what a vulnerability is.