What is a "false negative" in vulnerability scanning?

A "false negative" in vulnerability scanning refers to a scenario where a vulnerability actually exists in a system, but the scanning tool fails to detect it. This concept is crucial in the context of security assessments, as it highlights the limitations of automated scanning tools. If a vulnerability goes undetected, organizations may unknowingly leave critical security gaps unaddressed, potentially leading to exploitation by malicious actors.

The importance of this aspect is evident when evaluating the effectiveness of vulnerability management programs. To ensure comprehensive security, organizations must understand the risks associated with false negatives, as they can create a false sense of security and result in inadequate protective measures.

In contrast, the other definitions do not align with the concept of false negatives. For instance, a successful detection of all existing vulnerabilities would indicate complete accuracy of the scanning tool, which is the opposite of a false negative. The notion of the scanning tool incorrectly reporting no vulnerabilities falls under the definition of a false positive, where the tool indicates that there are no vulnerabilities when, in fact, there are. Lastly, a tool that fails to scan properly does not specifically address the concept of vulnerability detection but rather pertains to the general performance of the scanning tool. Understanding these distinctions is key for effective vulnerability management and risk assessment.