What is the primary function of a security vulnerability scanner?

The primary function of a security vulnerability scanner is to scan systems for known vulnerabilities. This tool helps organizations identify potential weaknesses in their software, hardware, or network configurations that could be exploited by attackers. By regularly using a vulnerability scanner, security teams can proactively assess their environment, prioritize remediation efforts based on the severity of identified vulnerabilities, and maintain a baseline of security posture.

Vulnerability scanners accomplish this by comparing the configuration and state of systems against a database of known vulnerabilities and security flaws, often including those outlined in standards such as the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) list. This process enables organizations to take corrective actions before an attacker can exploit these vulnerabilities, enhancing overall cybersecurity resilience.

The other options, while related to the broader field of cybersecurity, do not capture the core function of a security vulnerability scanner. Monitoring network bandwidth pertains to performance management rather than security assessment, protecting against phishing attacks focuses on user education and email security rather than system vulnerabilities, and updating software automatically relates to patch management, which is a response to vulnerabilities rather than the scanning process itself.