Vulnerability Scanners
Vulnerability scanners are specialized software tools designed to assess computers, networks, or applications for known vulnerabilities. These tools scan systems for the presence of outdated software versions, misconfigurations, lack of security patches, and other potential security weaknesses. They play a crucial role in the cybersecurity risk management process by providing automated checks against vulnerability databases and offering reports that prioritize vulnerabilities based on their severity. This enables IT security teams to address critical vulnerabilities promptly, thus reducing the risk of exploitation by cyber attackers. Vulnerability scanners can be categorized into various types, including network-based, host-based, web application scanners, and database scanners, each tailored to specific aspects of a system's security posture.