What is the purpose of a vulnerability scanner?

The purpose of a vulnerability scanner is to identify security weaknesses in systems and networks. These tools systematically probe an organization's network and systems for vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers, such as outdated software, misconfigurations, and missing patches. By detecting these vulnerabilities, organizations can take proactive measures to remediate issues before they can be exploited, thereby improving their overall security posture.

Vulnerability scanning is an essential component of a comprehensive security strategy. Organizations often schedule regular scans to ensure that their defenses are robust and to remain compliant with industry regulations and standards. This process helps in risk assessment and highlights areas that need attention, making it a critical activity for maintaining cybersecurity resilience.

In contrast, other options such as enhancing user experience, encrypting data, or developing a cybersecurity policy do not align with the specific function of a vulnerability scanner. While these actions are important for overall cybersecurity, they do not pertain to the identification of weaknesses in systems or networks, which is the primary focus of vulnerability scanning.