What is the purpose of severity maps in ServiceNow?

The purpose of severity maps in ServiceNow is to transform third-party source severity values to ServiceNow severity values. This process ensures consistency and accuracy in how vulnerabilities are assessed and prioritized within the ServiceNow platform. Different vulnerability management tools and third-party sources may use various severity scales, and the severity map allows for the alignment of these disparate severity ratings with ServiceNow’s established system. This transformation is crucial for effective vulnerability response as it ensures that all vulnerabilities are evaluated on a common scale, facilitating better decision-making and resource allocation for remediation efforts.

Other options relate to different aspects of vulnerability management but do not describe the specific role of severity maps. Tracking system vulnerabilities over time pertains more to reporting and analytics rather than severity mapping. Defining user access levels is related to security and governance rather than the efficacy of vulnerability management processes. Creating remediation plans involves planning and operational responses to vulnerabilities rather than the initial classification and transformation of severity ratings. Hence, the function of severity maps is distinct and critical to standardizing how vulnerabilities are understood within the platform.