# Vulnerability **Entity class:** Risk-engineering concept ## Definition A **vulnerability** is a weakness or condition in a system, procedure, control, implementation, relationship, or environment that can be exploited or triggered by a threat source. In a sociotechnical system, the weakness may lie in software, credentials, supervision, trust, placement, permissions, physical design, or organizational procedure. ## Relevance to this collection The relevant human-centered distinction is that the person is usually the threat source, while the configuration of [[wiki/Trusted Access|trusted access]], reachable assets, and insufficient controls is the vulnerability. A person can simultaneously embody the vulnerability-bearing condition when those properties are inseparable from the person's placement. ## Relationships - **master collection:** [[collections/Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and the Intelligence Environment|Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and the Intelligence Environment]]. - **sociotechnical system:** [[wiki/Sociotechnical Attack Surface|Sociotechnical Attack Surface]]. ## Sources / Provenance - [NIST Computer Security Resource Center, “Vulnerability” glossary](https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/vulnerability) (accessed 2026-09-23). **As of:** 2026-09-23 ## Simple Reminders, Quotations, and Thoughts > “Being seen and still loved is deeply affirming. Many people secretly fear they are not good enough, so discovering that others still appreciate you after seeing your flaws and emotions can be healing.” > **— Bryant McGill**, *Systems Thinking, Video Connection, and Protecting Your Creative Energy - Livestream (Jan 2016)* [[reminders/Love/Being Seen and Still Loved Is Healing by Bryant McGill|Being Seen and Still Loved Is Healing by Bryant McGill]] > “Vulnerability invites real friendship. Letting others see oneself on a bad day, in sweatpants, or in tears tests whether acceptance is genuine. Often, people discover they are loved more fully than they imagined.” > **— Bryant McGill**, *From Gossip to Greatness Through Mission, Honesty, and Community - Livestream (Sep 2016)* [[reminders/Love/Vulnerability Reveals How Fully You Are Loved by Bryant McGill|Vulnerability Reveals How Fully You Are Loved by Bryant McGill]] > “Vulnerability invites love. Showing up imperfect, tired, or tearful and being accepted anyway teaches people that they were always good enough. That discovery can be life-changing.” > **— Bryant McGill**, *Dignity, Hidden Greatness, and Putting People Before Ideas - Livestream (Sep 2016)* [[reminders/Love/Acceptance Teaches You That You Were Always Enough by Bryant McGill|Acceptance Teaches You That You Were Always Enough by Bryant McGill]]