What is the goal of conducting vulnerability scanning?

The primary goal of conducting vulnerability scanning is to discover security weaknesses in systems and networks. This process involves using automated tools to identify potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers, thus helping organizations to proactively manage and mitigate security risks. By detecting these vulnerabilities early, businesses can take appropriate actions—such as patching or hardening systems—to strengthen their security posture.

In contrast, options that focus on software upgrades, optimizing network speed, or enhancing user interface designs do not align with the main purpose of vulnerability scanning. While software upgrades may be a result of findings from a vulnerability scan, they are not the scan’s objective. Similarly, improving network performance or user interface design falls under the purview of system optimization and user experience improvements, which are separate fields from security vulnerability assessment.