What mechanism should be used to identify deficiencies that would provide attackers with an opportunity to compromise a computer system?

The choice of using a security gap analysis is appropriate for identifying deficiencies that could be exploited by attackers. A security gap analysis involves a systematic review of an organization's current security posture against desired security policies and standards. By examining any discrepancies between the existing controls and the ideal state, this analysis helps to pinpoint vulnerabilities and weaknesses that an attacker might exploit.

This process includes evaluating physical, administrative, and technical controls in place within the organization. Through this analysis, teams can gain insights into areas where security may be lacking, allowing them to prioritize and address these gaps proactively before they can be exploited.

While threat modeling focuses on identifying potential threats and understanding the attack vectors that could be used against a system, it does not specifically assess the current controls or state of security. Vulnerability scanning, on the other hand, is a more technical approach that actively verifies the presence of known weaknesses in systems but does not necessarily provide a broader organizational view of security policy adherence. Incident response planning is crucial for preparing for and responding to security breaches but does not identify vulnerabilities in advance of an incident.