(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What does the term 'probability' in cybersecurity refer to?

1. The total number of vulnerabilities

2. The chance a threat will exploit a vulnerability

3. The effectiveness of a security measure

4. The quantification of risk levels

The correct answer is: The chance a threat will exploit a vulnerability

The term 'probability' in cybersecurity refers to the chance that a threat will exploit a vulnerability. This definition aligns directly with the key concepts in risk management and cybersecurity frameworks. Understanding probability is crucial for assessing risk, which involves evaluating how likely it is that a particular threat could successfully exploit a known vulnerability in a system or network. In this context, probability helps organizations prioritize their security efforts. By knowing which vulnerabilities are most likely to be targeted, cybersecurity professionals can allocate resources more effectively and develop strategies to mitigate those risks. For instance, if a vulnerability has a high probability of being exploited due to prevalent threat activity, it would take precedence in terms of patching or enhancing security controls. Other options, while related to the broader field of cybersecurity, do not capture the specific meaning of 'probability.' The total number of vulnerabilities doesn’t reflect the likelihood of exploitation. The effectiveness of a security measure indicates how well it can protect against attacks but doesn’t address the chance of a threat occurring. Quantification of risk levels combines both the probability of occurrence and the impact of that occurrence, making it a broader concept than the specific definition of probability itself.