Which of the following refers to the act of identifying weaknesses in a system?

The act of identifying weaknesses in a system is most accurately described by penetration testing. This process involves simulating attacks on a system to uncover vulnerabilities that could potentially be exploited by attackers. By attempting to breach the network or system defenses, security professionals can highlight specific areas of weakness, enabling organizations to take corrective measures before they can be exploited in a real-world scenario.

Penetration testing is proactive and typically involves using both automated tools and human expertise to evaluate system security, which provides a comprehensive overview of potential vulnerabilities. It helps organizations prioritize their security efforts based on the severity and likelihood of potential threats.

In contrast, malware assessment focuses on analyzing malware to understand its behavior and impact rather than identifying systemic weaknesses. Network monitoring involves continuously observing network traffic to detect unauthorized access or anomalies but does not primarily aim at finding weaknesses. Incident response is the practice of addressing and managing the aftermath of a security breach or cyberattack, focusing on containment and recovery rather than proactive identification of weaknesses.