Which of the following best defines risk?

The definition of risk in the context of information security is best captured by the idea of a threat coupled with a vulnerability. A threat is any potential event or circumstance that could cause harm to an organization, such as a cyber attack, natural disasters, or insider threats. On the other hand, a vulnerability is a weakness or gap in security measures that can be exploited by threats.

When these two elements—threat and vulnerability—intersect, they create a risk. This relationship is crucial: a threat alone may not result in a problem if there are no vulnerabilities to exploit, and likewise, a vulnerability doesn't pose a risk without a corresponding threat that can take advantage of it.

Understanding this concept is essential for effective risk management within cloud security and broader information security practices, as organizations must assess both their vulnerabilities and the threats they face to understand the overall risk to their assets and data. By focusing on the interplay between threats and vulnerabilities, organizations can prioritize their security efforts and resources to mitigate the most significant risks.