What is the primary purpose of a vulnerability scanner?

The primary purpose of a vulnerability scanner is to identify vulnerabilities in systems and applications. This tool automates the process of scanning networks and devices to detect security weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers.

Vulnerability scanners assess various attributes, such as software versions, configurations, and known vulnerabilities against a database of security threats. By identifying these vulnerabilities, organizations can take proactive steps to mitigate risks, patch systems, and strengthen their overall security posture.

In contrast, enhancing network speed involves optimizing performance and does not relate to assessing security risks. Encrypting data in transit focuses on protecting information from interception during transmission but does not identify vulnerabilities. Monitoring user activity is essential for auditing and detecting potential insider threats but is not directly tied to discovering system weaknesses. Thus, focusing on identifying vulnerabilities is the central function of a vulnerability scanner.