(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What term indicates the probability of a vulnerability being exploited by an identified threat?

1. Threat Likelihood

2. Likelihood

3. Vulnerability Risk

4. Exploitation Probability

The correct answer is: Likelihood

The term that indicates the probability of a vulnerability being exploited by an identified threat is "Likelihood." This term is often used in risk management frameworks to express the chance that a specific threat will be able to successfully exploit a vulnerability. In the context of cybersecurity, understanding likelihood is crucial, as it helps organizations prioritize which vulnerabilities require more immediate attention and remediation efforts. Likelihood is commonly assessed in relation to a combination of factors, including the capabilities of potential attackers, the presence of mitigating controls, and the overall environment in which the system operates. By focusing on likelihood, organizations can effectively allocate resources and implement strategies to reduce the possibility of successful exploits. While terms like "Threat Likelihood," "Vulnerability Risk," and "Exploitation Probability" may convey similar concepts, they are not the specific term that directly ties probability to vulnerability exploitation in a straightforward manner. "Threat Likelihood" generally refers to how likely a threat itself is to occur, "Vulnerability Risk" encompasses a broader view, including both likelihood and impact, while "Exploitation Probability" might be used colloquially but is not the standard terminology applied in risk assessments.