What does vulnerability management involve?

Vulnerability management is a comprehensive process that focuses on identifying, evaluating, treating, and reporting on security vulnerabilities within systems and networks. This process begins with the discovery and assessment of existing vulnerabilities, which may involve scanning systems for known weaknesses and determining their potential impact. Following this identification, vulnerabilities are prioritized based on risk, allowing organizations to allocate resources effectively to address the most critical issues first.

The treating phase involves developing and implementing strategies to mitigate or remediate identified vulnerabilities, such as applying patches, changing configurations, or deploying security controls. Finally, the reporting aspect is essential for maintaining awareness of the organization's security posture, enabling stakeholders to understand the risks present and the actions taken to mitigate them.

In contrast, the other options focus on specific security measures rather than the holistic approach that defines vulnerability management. Creating complex passwords, regularly updating antivirus software, and implementing two-factor authentication are important components of a broader security strategy but do not encompass the full cycle of vulnerability management that includes identification, evaluation, treatment, and reporting.