A lack of adequate security controls represents a vulnerability, which is a weakness or flaw in an asset or its protection that can be exploited by a threat. A vulnerability can increase the likelihood or impact of a security incident, and therefore should be identified and treated as part of the risk management process. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 defines vulnerability as "the absence or weakness of a safeguard that could be exploited by a threat source" (see clause 3.49). Reference: [CQI & IRCA Certified ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Lead Auditor Training Course], ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Information technology - Security techniques - Information security management systems - Requirements