What are vulnerability scanners used for?

Vulnerability scanners play a crucial role in cybersecurity by identifying and assessing weaknesses in systems, networks, and applications. Their primary function is to systematically analyze these environments and produce reports that highlight vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. By doing so, they help organizations understand their security posture and prioritize remediation efforts based on the severity and risk associated with each identified vulnerability.

These scanners often utilize databases of known vulnerabilities and configuration issues to surface potential entry points that malicious actors could exploit. This proactive approach allows organizations to fortify their defenses before an attack occurs, rather than reactively addressing security breaches after they happen. This makes vulnerability scanning a vital practice in maintaining a robust security framework in technological environments.