What does a vulnerability assessment aim to identify?

A vulnerability assessment is a systematic evaluation aimed at identifying potential weaknesses in a security system that could be exploited by threats. This process involves scanning and analyzing systems, networks, and applications for vulnerabilities that may exist due to various factors such as misconfigurations, outdated software, or insecure coding practices.

The core objective of a vulnerability assessment is to uncover these weaknesses before they can be exploited by attackers, thereby allowing organizations to address the vulnerabilities proactively. By identifying these potential weaknesses, organizations can prioritize remediation efforts based on the severity of the vulnerabilities found, assisting in the overall security posture.

While other options might relate to important aspects of cybersecurity, they do not align with the primary focus of a vulnerability assessment. Network performance metrics pertain to the effectiveness and efficiency of a network rather than security issues. Employee access rights relate to user permissions and roles within an organization, and while they are important for security, they fall within access management rather than vulnerability assessment. Malicious software pertains to threats rather than vulnerabilities within the system itself. Thus, the accurate aim of a vulnerability assessment is to identify potential weaknesses within a security system.