CompTIA CySA+ Practice Test 2025 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing serve different purposes in analyzing the security posture of a system or network. The correct choice highlights that vulnerability scanning focuses on identifying weaknesses in the system, such as unpatched software, misconfigurations, or potential security flaws. This process is typically automated, allowing for regular and comprehensive assessments of the environment.

On the other hand, penetration testing takes this a step further by not only identifying vulnerabilities but also actively exploiting them to determine which weaknesses can be successfully used to compromise a system. This hands-on approach simulates a real-world attack scenario, allowing organizations to understand the potential impact of vulnerabilities in a practical manner.

By illustrating the difference in focus—one on detection and the other on exploitation—the correct answer underscores the complementary roles both processes play in a robust cybersecurity strategy.