Vulnerability scanners are automated tools that allow organizations to check if their networks, systems and applications have security weaknesses that could expose them to attacks. Vulnerability scanning is a common practice across enterprise networks and is often mandated by industry standards and government regulations to improve the organization’s security posture.

There are many tools and products in the vulnerability scanning space that cover different types of assets and offer additional features that help companies implement a complete vulnerability management program — the combined processes related to identifying, classifying and mitigating vulnerabilities.