What term describes a weakness in a system that could lead to compromise?

The term that accurately describes a weakness in a system that could lead to compromise is "vulnerability." Vulnerabilities are flaws or weaknesses in software, hardware, or organizational processes that may be exploited by an adversary to gain unauthorized access or perform unauthorized actions. Identifying and understanding vulnerabilities is crucial for an organization's cybersecurity posture, as they represent potential entry points for attacks.

In the context of cybersecurity, threats refer to potential events or actions that could cause harm to a system or organization. An exploit takes advantage of a vulnerability to perform an attack or gain unauthorized access. Risk, on the other hand, is the potential for loss or damage when a threat exploits a vulnerability. Understanding the distinction between these terms is important for effectively managing security risks and implementing appropriate countermeasures.