How should vulnerabilities be addressed to improve security?

Addressing vulnerabilities to improve security involves implementing security measures that mitigate exposure to threats. This approach recognizes that vulnerabilities can be more effectively managed by applying security protocols, controls, and processes designed to reduce the likelihood of exploitation or minimize potential impact if an exploitation occurs. Examples include applying patches, configuring firewalls, using intrusion detection systems, conducting regular vulnerability assessments, and training employees about security best practices. This proactive stance helps organizations stay one step ahead of potential attackers by reducing the attack surface and minimizing the risk of damage from potential incidents.

In contrast, simply installing new software might not address underlying vulnerabilities effectively, as new software can also introduce new risks if not configured securely. Decreasing the number of users could limit exposure but is not a comprehensive security solution, as vulnerabilities often exist in the software and hardware systems regardless of user count. Increasing data storage capacity does not contribute to vulnerability management and instead focuses on resource allocation without addressing security concerns directly. Thus, implementing security measures is the most effective and holistic strategy for improving security.