Vulnerability Scanning
Vulnerability scanning is a security practice that involves using automated tools to identify, assess, and report security weaknesses in computer systems, networks, applications, or software. These tools scan for known vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, outdated software, and other security flaws that could be exploited by attackers. The process typically generates detailed reports with severity ratings and remediation recommendations to help organizations prioritize and address risks.
Developers should learn and use vulnerability scanning to integrate security into the software development lifecycle (SDLC), particularly in DevSecOps practices, to proactively identify and fix security issues before deployment. It is essential for compliance with security standards (e.g., PCI-DSS, HIPAA), reducing the risk of data breaches, and maintaining the integrity of applications in production environments. Use cases include scanning web applications for OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities, checking container images in CI/CD pipelines, and assessing network infrastructure for weaknesses.