What does a network vulnerability assessment expect to identify?

A network vulnerability assessment is primarily focused on identifying weaknesses that could be exploited in a network's configuration or security posture. One of the most common results of such assessments is the identification of misconfigured devices and systems, as well as missing security updates that could leave network components exposed to threats.

When conducting a vulnerability assessment, a detailed scan is performed to evaluate the configuration of network devices, such as firewalls, routers, and servers, which often reveals configurations that do not adhere to established security best practices or guidelines. These misconfigurations can lead to potential entry points that attackers could leverage. Furthermore, missing updates related to software or operating systems may leave known vulnerabilities unpatched, thereby increasing the attack surface.

While the other options like zero-day vulnerabilities, malicious software, and security design flaws are relevant to security discussions, they are not the primary focus of a standard vulnerability assessment. Zero-day vulnerabilities refer to unknown exploits that have no defense available at the time of discovery, making them less likely to be identified through a routine assessment. Similarly, while malicious software is certainly a critical concern in cybersecurity, its identification falls more under malware detection rather than a standard vulnerability assessment scope. Security design flaws pertain to overarching system architecture risks, which would require a different type