Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET) Practice Exam

Which tool is primarily used for detecting and responding to software vulnerabilities?

1. Firewall

2. Antivirus Software

3. Intrusion Detection System (IDS)

4. Vulnerability Scanner

The correct answer is: Vulnerability Scanner

The primary tool used for detecting and responding to software vulnerabilities is a Vulnerability Scanner. This tool is specifically designed to identify, classify, and assess vulnerabilities in software, operating systems, and applications. Vulnerability scanners automate the process of checking systems for known security weaknesses, misconfigurations, and other flaws that could be exploited by attackers. They typically make use of a regularly updated database of known vulnerabilities to provide accurate assessments of the security posture of devices within a network. In contrast, firewalls primarily focus on controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, without actively searching for software vulnerabilities. Antivirus software is designed to detect and remove malware but does not specifically target software vulnerabilities. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) monitor network traffic for suspicious activities and can alert on potential intrusions, but they are not inherently designed to identify software vulnerabilities in the same manner that vulnerability scanners do. Thus, a vulnerability scanner is the optimal tool for the task of detecting and responding to software vulnerabilities.