In vulnerability assessments, what is the primary purpose of a gap assessment?

The primary purpose of a gap assessment in vulnerability assessments is to identify missing security controls. This process involves evaluating the current security posture of an organization against desired security standards or best practices. By conducting a gap assessment, organizations can pinpoint where their security measures are lacking or outdated, which allows them to identify specific areas that require improvement or where additional controls need to be implemented.

By focusing on the identification of these gaps, organizations can prioritize their actions and allocate resources more effectively to strengthen their security environment. This is crucial for mitigating risks associated with potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by threats. In this context, identifying missing security controls is an essential step in enhancing overall security and ensuring that the organization is adequately protected against vulnerabilities.