How is "vulnerability scanning" best defined?

Vulnerability scanning is best defined as the automated assessment of systems and networks for security weaknesses. This process involves using tools to identify known vulnerabilities in software and hardware components across an organization's IT infrastructure.

The primary goal of vulnerability scanning is to proactively discover and remediate potential security flaws before they can be exploited by attackers. The automated aspect allows for efficient and consistent scanning across large environments, which would be impractical to do manually. This scanning picks up various vulnerabilities, such as outdated software versions, misconfigurations, and unpatched systems, providing critical insights that inform security measures and policy adjustments.

Understanding vulnerability scanning is essential for organizations aiming to strengthen their cybersecurity posture, as it forms a fundamental part of ongoing security assessments, risk management, and compliance efforts.