What is the primary function of a Vulnerability Scanner?

The primary function of a Vulnerability Scanner is to automate the scanning and analysis of Configuration Items (CIs) to identify vulnerabilities. This automated approach allows organizations to efficiently assess their systems for security weaknesses without the extensive time and resource requirements of manual audits. Vulnerability scanners systematically evaluate systems against a database of known vulnerabilities and exploit patterns, often providing detailed reports that help prioritize remediation efforts based on the severity of the identified issues.

This automated scanning capability is a core aspect of vulnerability management, enabling organizations to maintain a more proactive stance against potential security threats. By regularly running these scans, teams can detect and remediate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by attackers, contributing significantly to the overall security posture of the organization.

Other options, while related to security processes, do not align with the primary function of vulnerability scanners. Manual security audits involve human intervention and are typically more time-consuming. Managing software licenses pertains to compliance and inventory roles rather than vulnerability management. Monitoring network traffic is vital for intrusion detection and response but does not directly involve scanning for vulnerabilities in systems or applications.