Which type of assessment focuses on the weaknesses present in an organization's systems?

A vulnerability assessment is specifically designed to identify, quantify, and prioritize weaknesses or vulnerabilities present in an organization's systems, processes, and security measures. This type of assessment is crucial in risk management as it allows an organization to understand its security posture and the potential risks associated with its weaknesses. By focusing on vulnerabilities, organizations can take proactive measures to mitigate these risks, implement security measures, and strengthen their defenses against potential threats.

In contrast, a threat assessment evaluates potential threats that the organization could face without necessarily focusing on the internal weaknesses of systems. A capability assessment examines the effectiveness and efficiency of an organization's capabilities in response to its mission requirements, while an asset assessment is concerned with identifying and evaluating the value and criticality of various organizational assets. Each of these assessments plays a unique role in security planning, but the vulnerability assessment is the one that directly addresses the weaknesses present within the organization's systems, making it essential for comprehensive risk management.