What is the main purpose of a vulnerability assessment?

The main purpose of a vulnerability assessment is to identify and evaluate security weaknesses within an organization's systems, applications, and network infrastructure. This process involves systematically scanning and analyzing assets to discover vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. By identifying these weaknesses, organizations can prioritize and remediate them, thereby enhancing their overall security posture.

This assessment forms a critical component of a comprehensive risk management strategy, allowing organizations to understand their vulnerabilities better and address potential security risks before they can be exploited. The focus is on detection and evaluation rather than on tracking performance metrics or enhancing user experiences, making it a foundational element in ensuring robust cybersecurity measures are in place.