When conducting a vulnerability scan, what is the first step an attacker typically performs?

In the context of conducting a vulnerability scan, the first step an attacker typically performs is determining a specific system to target. This step is crucial as it defines the scope of the attack and the resources that will be assessed for vulnerabilities. By identifying a target system, an attacker can focus their efforts and configure their scanning tools appropriately to probe for weaknesses specific to that environment.

This step precedes any technical actions, such as exploiting vulnerabilities or analyzing scan results, because knowing which system is to be targeted will direct the subsequent steps in a logical manner. Once a target is established, the attacker can select appropriate scanning methods and tools based on the characteristics and configurations of the chosen system, ensuring the effectiveness of the vulnerability scan.

For clarity, the process does not begin with exploitation, as this is a step that occurs after vulnerabilities have been identified. Analyzing scan results is also a follow-up action that comes after a scan has been conducted and a target system has been defined and evaluated. Reporting vulnerabilities to stakeholders is typically an action taken by security professionals or auditors after vulnerabilities are assessed and need to be communicated for remediation, not a step an attacker would engage in after identifying a target.