Which of the following best describes scanning in cybersecurity?

Scanning in cybersecurity primarily involves the identification and assessment of vulnerabilities within systems, networks, and applications. This process is crucial for organizations to understand their security posture and potential weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers.

By systematically scanning systems, cybersecurity professionals can discover flaws, misconfigurations, or outdated software that may pose security risks. This preemptive measure allows for timely remediation, thus enhancing the overall strength of the organization's security framework. Different types of scanning, such as vulnerability scanning, port scanning, and network scanning, serve various purposes but all contribute to uncovering potential security issues.

Therefore, describing scanning as a method for detecting vulnerabilities in systems aligns perfectly with its core function in the cybersecurity domain. This proactive approach is critical for maintaining a secure environment and is a foundational concept in preventing security breaches.