What does the term "vulnerability assessment" refer to?

The term "vulnerability assessment" specifically refers to a systematic process of identifying security weaknesses in an organization's information systems, applications, or network infrastructure. This process involves the discovery, evaluation, and prioritization of potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers, enabling organizations to take appropriate measures to mitigate risks.

A vulnerability assessment typically includes techniques such as automated scanning tools, manual testing, and reviews of system configurations to uncover weaknesses that could compromise security. By identifying these vulnerabilities, organizations can implement patches, changes, or additional security controls to enhance their overall security posture.

The other options represent different activities that, while related to cybersecurity, do not define a vulnerability assessment. Encrypting data is focused on protecting information from unauthorized access during transit or storage. Conducting user training aims to educate employees on security best practices and awareness. Securing physical locations relates to physical security measures rather than the assessment of technical vulnerabilities within systems.