What is the difference between a vulnerability and an exploit?

The distinction between a vulnerability and an exploit is critical in cybersecurity. A vulnerability is defined as a weakness or flaw in a system, application, or network that can be exploited by an attacker. This could include anything from coding errors or misconfigurations to outdated software that has not been patched.

On the other hand, an exploit refers to the method or technique used to take advantage of that vulnerability. An exploit is often a piece of code or a sequence of commands that successfully leverages the vulnerability to carry out an attack, leading to unauthorized access or other malicious activities.

Understanding this difference is essential for anyone involved in cybersecurity. Recognizing vulnerabilities allows security professionals to implement measures to mitigate risks, while knowledge of exploits helps in developing effective defense mechanisms and response strategies. The correct answer captures this critical separation: vulnerabilities represent the weaknesses in systems, whereas exploits are the tools or methods used to attack those weaknesses.