It’s a tool that checks systems like servers or websites for known security flaws—things like outdated software or misconfigurations , so you can fix them before attackers find them.

It scans your devices or apps, compares findings to a database of known issues, and gives you a report with risks, severity, and what to do about them.

Scanners catch things like missing patches, weak passwords, open ports, and common web flaws like SQL injection or XSS.

You’ve got network scanners, host-based scanners, and web app scanners. Some tools also focus on cloud, containers, or compliance checks.

No. Scanners are automated and broad. Pen tests are manual, deeper, and mimic real attacks. Both help but serve different purposes.

It helps you find and fix risks before attackers do. It’s a key step in staying secure and meeting compliance requirements.

Ideally, scan weekly or monthly. Also scan after updates or changes to catch new issues early.

Authenticated scans log in and see more detail. Unauthenticated scans test like an outsider with no access.

Pick based on what you need scanned, how technical your team is, and what kind of features—like reports or integrations—you need.

 Agent-based uses small apps on systems for deeper data. Agentless scans over the network, easier to deploy but sometimes less detailed.