A vulnerability in a system is defined as?

A vulnerability in a system is defined as a weakness that can be exploited. This definition highlights the critical aspect of security; vulnerabilities provide potential entry points for attackers who seek to gain unauthorized access, compromise data, or disrupt the functionality of a system.

Understanding vulnerabilities is essential in cybersecurity because identifying and mitigating them is a key part of maintaining secure systems. These weaknesses can exist in software, hardware, or even procedural implementations. When security patches or updates are not applied, or when security practices are not adhered to, vulnerabilities can leave systems open to exploitation.

The other options do not accurately describe a vulnerability. A protective measure against attacks refers to security controls designed to defend against threats, not the weaknesses themselves. A type of malware indicates malicious software which can exploit vulnerabilities, rather than being the vulnerability itself. A phase in malware propagation describes the lifecycle of malware as it spreads or progresses, which is unrelated to the definition of a system vulnerability.