(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What is a potential consequence of failing to secure vulnerabilities?

1. Decreased employee morale

2. Increased operational costs

3. Unauthorized access to systems

4. Improved market competitiveness

The correct answer is: Unauthorized access to systems

Failing to secure vulnerabilities can lead to unauthorized access to systems, which is a significant risk in cybersecurity. When vulnerabilities are not properly addressed, attackers can exploit these weaknesses to gain entry into a network or system. This can result in various negative outcomes, such as data breaches, where sensitive information is accessed or stolen, and potentially more severe consequences like loss of intellectual property or damage to infrastructure. Unauthorized access can also lead to the deployment of malware, ransomware attacks, or unauthorized changes to system configurations, which may compromise the integrity and availability of information systems. Organizations that experience such incidents often face significant repercussions, including financial losses, legal liabilities, and reputational damage. While other options like decreased employee morale and increased operational costs can be consequences of broader security failures, they are not as direct and immediate as unauthorized access resulting from unaddressed vulnerabilities. Improved market competitiveness is unlikely to be a consequence of failing to secure vulnerabilities since security risks typically create distrust among customers and partners.