→ Vulnerability is a weakness in a system that can be exploited. For instance, consider a company that uses outdated software for its customer relationship management (CRM) system. This software has known security flaws that have not been patched. The outdated software represents a vulnerability because it can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive customer data.
→Exploit is a method or tool used to take advantage of a vulnerability. Continuing with the previous example, an attacker might use a specific piece of malware designed to target the known flaw in the outdated CRM software. This malware could be delivered through phishing emails, where the attacker tricks an employee into clicking on a malicious link. In this case, the phishing email serves as the exploit that leverages the vulnerability of the unpatched software.
->Threat is any potential danger that could exploit a vulnerability. In our example, the threat is represented by cybercriminals who are actively seeking to steal customer data for financial gain. They pose a risk to the organization because they have both the intent and capability to exploit vulnerabilities in systems like the outdated CRM.
→ Threat Actor and Threat Vector - A threat actor is an individual, group, or entity responsible for carrying out malicious activities or cyber attacks against systems or networks. They can be external attackers, insiders, or even automated programs. A threat vector represents the specific path, method, or channel through which a threat actor attempts to breach security measures and exploit vulnerabilities.
→ Vulnerability + Threat = Risk (Impact x Livelihood)
→ Attack & Risk
In cybersecurity, an Attack is an active attempt to exploit vulnerabilities, while Risk is the potential for loss or damage when a threat exploits a vulnerability, calculated as the product of impact and likelihood.
→ Risk Appetite
Risk appetite refers to the amount and type of risk that an organization is willing to accept in pursuit of its strategic objectives. It serves as a guiding framework for decision-making, helping organizations determine how much risk they can tolerate while still aiming for their goals. This concept is articulated through a Risk Appetite Statement (RAS),
A systematic process of identifying, analyzing, and documenting security weaknesses and flaws in a system, network, or application. This assessment helps organizations understand their security posture by discovering potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
→ Vulnerability Assessment
→ Penetration Testing
→ Why we need Pentest?
A hands-on approach to security assessment where ethical hackers actively attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in systems, networks, or applications to evaluate their security controls and defense mechanisms. This process simulates real-world cyber attacks to identify potential security gaps and validate the effectiveness of existing security measures.