Which term describes a security loophole that is exploited in a cyber attack?

The term that describes a security loophole that can be exploited in a cyber attack is "security vulnerability." A security vulnerability refers to a flaw, weakness, or gap in a system that can be targeted by attackers to gain unauthorized access or perform malicious activities. These vulnerabilities can exist in software, hardware, or network protocols, and they are often the result of coding mistakes, misconfigurations, or outdated components.

Understanding security vulnerabilities is critical in cybersecurity, as it enables organizations to identify and remediate these weaknesses before they can be exploited. By systematically addressing vulnerabilities through practices such as patch management, security assessments, and adopting secure coding standards, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of suffering a successful cyber attack.

The other terms provided do not encapsulate the concept of a security loophole. Access control refers to mechanisms that restrict access to resources based on specified policies. Intrusion detection involves monitoring systems or networks for malicious activities or policy violations but does not specifically indicate a weakness itself. Data encryption is a security measure used to protect data by converting it into a format that is unreadable without the appropriate decryption key, which does not address vulnerabilities directly.