vulnerabilityscan

noun

UK /ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪləti skæn/

US /ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪləti skæn/

A vulnerability scan is a computer check that looks for weak spots that bad people could use to break in.

The team ran a vulnerability scan to find weak spots in the website before hackers could.

SYNONYMS

security scan weakness check security assessment risk scan

RELATED WORDS

firewall patch malware penetration test cybersecurity

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A quick look for anything that could be easily hurt or attacked.

The ranger did a vulnerability scan of the forest to spot trees at risk from storms.

3. A report listing the weak points found during such a check.

The vulnerability scan showed three problems that needed fixing right away.

4. The act of checking a system for flaws on a regular schedule.

A weekly vulnerability scan helps keep the network safe.