security vulnerability / security gap
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security vulnerability
A weakness in a system, especially in software or a computer network, that can be exploited by attackers. It allows unauthorized access or disruption of the system.
Ein neues Update soll die kritische Sicherheitslücke im Betriebssystem schließen.
A new update is intended to close the critical security vulnerability in the operating system.
The word is composed of 'Sicherheit' (security/safety) and 'Lücke' (gap). So it literally describes a gap or open spot in a security system.
Experten haben eine neue Sicherheitslücke in der weit verbreiteten Software entdeckt.
Experts have discovered a new security vulnerability in the widely used software.
The context makes clear what kind of gap is meant. Words like 'Software' (software), 'Update' (update), or 'Hacker' (hacker) point to a computer problem, while 'Gebäude' (building), 'Zaun' (fence), or 'Grenze' (border) indicate a physical weakness.
Das Update schließt eine gefährliche Sicherheitslücke im Programm.
The update closes a dangerous security vulnerability in the program.
In an IT context, a 'Sicherheitslücke' (security vulnerability) is often combined with certain verbs. You can 'schließen' (close), 'beheben' (fix), 'finden' (find), or 'ausnutzen' (exploit) a vulnerability.
Kriminelle nutzen die Sicherheitslücke aus, um Daten zu stehlen.
Criminals exploit the security vulnerability to steal data.
mistake / error
'der Fehler' and 'die Sicherheitslücke' can both describe a problem in a system. However, 'Fehler' is much more general and can mean almost any kind of defect or malfunction. 'Sicherheitslücke' is used only when the problem affects security. It especially often refers to software, networks, or a security concept for a building. The words can be confused because a security vulnerability can also be an error in the system. But not every error is a security vulnerability: a program can calculate incorrectly without giving anyone unauthorized access.
Die Firma schließt eine Sicherheitslücke, bevor Angreifer Kundendaten stehlen können.
The company closes a security vulnerability before attackers can steal customer data.
Nach dem Update zeigt die App einen Fehler und startet nicht mehr.
After the update, the app shows an error and no longer starts.