Which of the following best describes the purpose of a vulnerability scan?

A vulnerability scan is primarily designed to identify potential security weaknesses within a system, application, or network. This process involves systematically evaluating the target environment against known vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and weaknesses. By scanning for these potential issues, organizations can gain insight into their security posture and prioritize remediation efforts.

The identification of vulnerabilities allows cybersecurity teams to take preemptive actions, such as patching software, enhancing configurations, or implementing additional security controls to mitigate risks before they can be exploited by malicious actors. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining the overall security of information systems and protecting sensitive data.

The other options, while related to security assessments, serve different purposes. Deconstructing systems involves analyzing components in detail but does not inherently focus on identifying weaknesses. Capturing network traffic is associated with monitoring and analyzing data flows but does not specifically target vulnerabilities. Physical security assessments evaluate the physical protection of assets and facilities, which is distinct from the focus of vulnerability scans in the digital realm.