What is the main purpose of vulnerability scanning?

The primary purpose of vulnerability scanning is to identify known vulnerabilities regularly. Vulnerability scans are automated tools used to evaluate systems, networks, and applications for weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers. By consistently scanning for vulnerabilities, organizations can maintain a proactive stance on security, enabling them to discover issues before they are exploited in real-world attacks.

Regular vulnerability scanning plays a vital role in an organization’s security posture. It allows for the identification of outdated software, misconfigurations, and unpatched systems that may pose a risk to the organization. Effectively managing vulnerabilities helps ensure that these weaknesses are addressed promptly to minimize potential threats.

In contrast, exploring potential security policies is more related to governance and compliance rather than the technical process of identifying vulnerabilities. Developing software fixes for known issues is a follow-up step after vulnerabilities have been identified and requires a dedicated process to address the problems. Control of network access for devices pertains more to authorization workflows and access management, which is separate from vulnerability management activities.