What is a common tool used in penetration testing?

Vulnerability scanners are a common tool used in penetration testing because they systematically check systems, applications, and networks for known vulnerabilities. These tools help identify flaws that could be exploited by attackers, allowing penetration testers to assess the security posture of a target environment proactively. They provide valuable information about security weaknesses, such as outdated software, misconfigurations, and missing patches, which are crucial for the overall assessment of an organization's defenses.

By using vulnerability scanners, penetration testers can efficiently prioritize which vulnerabilities to exploit further during testing. This process enables a thorough evaluation of the target’s security measures, helping organizations to understand potential risks and implement necessary remediation before a real attack occurs.

Other options relate to cybersecurity tools and practices but do not specifically focus on the process of actively identifying weaknesses during penetration testing. For instance, network intrusion detection systems monitor for unauthorized activities without the goal of discovering vulnerabilities in a controlled testing scenario. Real-time monitoring software provides insights into system performance and threat detection, and data loss prevention tools focus on protecting sensitive information rather than identifying potential entry points for attackers.