A vulnerability assessment is a systematic process of identifying, quantifying, and prioritizing vulnerabilities in a system. It is used to evaluate if a system is susceptible to any known security weaknesses or vulnerabilities. Vulnerability assessments can be conducted on various systems, including information technology systems, energy supply systems, water supply systems, transportation systems, and communication systems. The process of vulnerability assessment involves cataloging assets and capabilities in a system, assigning quantifiable value or rank order to those resources, identifying the vulnerabilities or potential threats to each resource, and prioritizing the vulnerabilities based on their severity. Vulnerability assessments may target different layers of technology, such as host, network, and application-layer assessments.

Vulnerability assessments are typically performed using automated and manual techniques with varying degrees of rigor and an emphasis on comprehensive coverage. The process may involve vulnerability scanners to identify threats and flaws within an organizations IT infrastructure that represents potential vulnerabilities or risk exposures. The results of vulnerability assessments provide security teams and other stakeholders with the information they need to analyze and prioritize risks for potential remediation in the proper context. Vulnerability assessments are a critical component of the vulnerability management and IT risk management lifecycles, helping protect systems and data from unauthorized access and data breaches.

In summary, a vulnerability assessment is a process of identifying, quantifying, and prioritizing vulnerabilities in a system. It is used to evaluate if a system is susceptible to any known security weaknesses or vulnerabilities and provides security teams and other stakeholders with the information they need to analyze and prioritize risks for potential remediation in the proper context. Vulnerability assessments are a critical component of the vulnerability management and IT risk management lifecycles, helping protect systems and data from unauthorized access and data breaches.