Vulnerability Assessment

Definition ∞ A vulnerability assessment is a systematic process of identifying and evaluating potential weaknesses or flaws within a system, protocol, or application that could be exploited by malicious actors. This evaluation aims to pinpoint security deficiencies before they can be leveraged to compromise the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of digital assets or related infrastructure. It is a proactive measure for bolstering security.
Context ∞ Vulnerability assessments are a critical component of security news within the cryptocurrency domain, particularly following reports of hacks or exploits targeting blockchain networks, smart contracts, or exchanges. Discussions often revolve around the findings of independent security audits, the severity of identified vulnerabilities, and the remediation efforts undertaken by development teams. Understanding the outcomes of these assessments is key to gauging the security posture of digital asset platforms.