What term defines the likelihood of a threat agent using a vulnerability and the associated impact?

The term that defines the likelihood of a threat agent utilizing a vulnerability and the impact that arises from such an event is known as "risk." In cybersecurity, risk is fundamentally linked to the probability of a threat exploiting a vulnerability and the potential consequences that could ensue from that exploitation. This concept allows organizations to assess the potential dangers they face and make informed decisions about managing and mitigating those risks effectively.

In this context, understanding "risk" helps organizations prioritize their security measures based on both the likelihood of a threat and the severity of its impact. This encompasses not only the technical aspects of vulnerabilities but also the strategic planning involved in preparing for threats.

The other terms, while related to the overall topic of information security, do not encapsulate the idea of evaluating the likelihood and impact together. A risk policy refers to a set of guidelines and practices an organization adopts to manage risks but does not define the concept itself. An attack is an action performed by a threat agent that exploits a vulnerability, and an incident refers to an actual occurrence of a security event, neither of which directly addresses the combined assessment of threat likelihood and impact.