Which term refers to a weakness that can be exploited in a system?

The correct term for a weakness that can be exploited in a system is vulnerability. In the context of cybersecurity, a vulnerability refers to any flaw or weakness in a system's design, implementation, or configuration that could be exploited by an attacker to gain unauthorized access, disrupt services, or cause other harm. Understanding vulnerabilities is crucial for developing effective security measures, as they can help organizations identify and mitigate risks to their systems.

Threats and risks are related concepts but do not specifically refer to weaknesses. A threat represents a potential cause of an unwanted incident, which may result in harm to a system or organization. An asset refers to any valuable resources, such as data or systems, that organizations need to protect. Risk is the potential for loss or damage when a threat exploits a vulnerability, but it does not itself denote the weakness. Therefore, recognizing and addressing vulnerabilities is essential for maintaining a secure environment.