What is the main purpose of vulnerability scanning?

The main purpose of vulnerability scanning is to identify outdated or vulnerable software within a system. This process involves examining the networked devices, applications, and systems to uncover security weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers. By pinpointing these vulnerabilities, organizations can take proactive measures to mitigate risks, apply security patches, and implement additional controls to enhance their security posture.

Vulnerability scanning plays a critical role in an organization's overall security strategy, as it helps maintain compliance with various regulatory frameworks. Regular scans ensure that software is kept up to date and that any known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly, thereby minimizing the potential attack surface and protecting sensitive data.

Other potential functions related to system performance, user training, and user behavior mapping do not align with the primary goal of vulnerability scanning, which is strictly focused on identifying and addressing security weaknesses.