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Glossary/Vulnerability scanning

What is Vulnerability scanning?

In short

Vulnerability scanning uses automated tools to check systems for known weaknesses, such as missing patches, outdated software and insecure settings.

Key takeaways

  • Scans should run regularly and after significant changes.
  • Results are prioritized by severity and fixed through patch and configuration management.
  • Penetration testing goes further by trying to exploit the weaknesses.

Where it's tested

ISC: Information Security Fundamentals — study notes, a five-minute revision sheet and practice questions.

Practise: 3 questions

Question 1 of 3 · 0 answered

How does a penetration test differ from a vulnerability scan?

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