What Is a Vulnerability Scan?

 By Charles Joseph | Cybersecurity Advocate

 Last update: November 25, 2023

A vulnerability scan assesses the security of a computer system or network. It looks for known vulnerabilities in systems and software.

Key Points

• A vulnerability scan identifies potential security risks in computer systems and networks.
• Vulnerability scans can help organizations to prioritize their security efforts and identify weaknesses in critical systems that need to be patched or upgraded.
• Vulnerability scans can also be used to assess the effectiveness of security controls and identify potential weaknesses.
• Vulnerability scans are an important part of a comprehensive security program and can help organizations to protect their assets and reduce their exposure to risk.

5 Reasons Why You Would Scan for Vulnerabilities

1. To identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities.
2. To help patch and fix known vulnerabilities.
3. To measure the effectiveness of your security controls.
4. To find new security risks before they are exploited.
5. To show compliance with security standards (e.g. PCI DSS).