During a risk assessment, what may render a system vulnerable if left unchecked?

Outdated software can indeed render a system vulnerable if left unchecked because it may contain known security flaws that have been addressed in later versions. Software developers routinely release updates and patches to fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. When systems run outdated versions of software, they may be susceptible to a range of threats, including malware infections, unauthorized access, and data breaches.

Regularly updating software is a critical component of an effective risk management strategy, as it helps to mitigate risks associated with known vulnerabilities. Furthermore, attackers often target systems running outdated software since these systems are typically easier to exploit due to the lack of recent security mitigations.

In contrast, unmonitored access logs may point to a lack of oversight but do not intrinsically create vulnerabilities; they simply obscure them. Network firewalls and physical security measures are proactive defenses designed to protect systems rather than vulnerabilities themselves, making their status less relevant when discussing unchecked vulnerabilities.