How is risk defined in a cybersecurity context?

In the context of cybersecurity, risk is defined as the consequence of a threat exploiting a vulnerability. This definition encapsulates the essence of risk management in cybersecurity, where it is crucial to understand not just the threats that exist, but also the vulnerabilities within a system that could be exploited by those threats.

When a threat actively seeks to exploit a vulnerability, the potential outcome can lead to negative consequences for the organization, such as data breaches, loss of confidential information, financial damage, or reputational harm. This interplay of threats and vulnerabilities helps organizations prioritize their security measures by assessing which risks need to be addressed first based on their potential impact.

For example, if a database has a security vulnerability that an external attacker could exploit, the risk reflects the potential damage (the consequence) that could occur if that attacker successfully gains access. Addressing this risk involves identifying the vulnerabilities, understanding the threats, and implementing appropriate controls to mitigate the potential consequences of those threats.

In contrast, aspects related to measuring an organization's security policies or the likelihood of technical failures refer to elements of security management but do not capture the full spectrum of how risk is defined through the lens of threats and vulnerabilities. Reactive measures taken after a breach pertain to incident response, which is more about dealing