Which of the following best describes a vulnerability assessment?

A vulnerability assessment is best described as a systematic review of security weaknesses in an information system because it involves identifying, quantifying, and prioritizing vulnerabilities in the system. This process is critical for understanding where potential threats may exist and helps organizations adequately prepare to mitigate risks. Such assessments involve utilizing various tools and methodologies to analyze the system’s architecture, configuration, and software applications, ensuring that all possible weaknesses are identified and addressed.

The focus of a vulnerability assessment is purely on potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers, as opposed to categorizing incidents such as data breaches, which is not its primary aim. Additionally, it is distinct from documenting user access levels, which pertains to access control and user permissions rather than identifying system weaknesses. Evaluating employee satisfaction does not relate to security assessments, as it addresses organizational culture rather than vulnerabilities in an information system.