Information Technology Specialist (ITS) Cybersecurity Practice Exam

Which network penetration tool is used to exploit an asset to determine if it is vulnerable?

1. Nessus

2. Metasploit

3. Wireshark

4. Burp Suite

The correct answer is: Metasploit

The tool used to exploit an asset to determine if it is vulnerable is Metasploit. Metasploit is a comprehensive framework that allows cybersecurity professionals to perform penetration testing and vulnerability assessments. Its primary function is to search for vulnerabilities in systems, applications, and networks and to exploit them in a controlled manner. This helps security teams understand the potential impact of these vulnerabilities and prioritize remediation efforts. Metasploit includes various exploits, payloads, and auxiliary modules that can interact with different systems and services, making it a powerful tool for penetration testing. By successfully exploiting a vulnerability, security professionals can gain insight into the risks associated with the asset and develop strategies to mitigate those risks. The other tools mentioned serve different purposes: Nessus is primarily a vulnerability scanner that identifies weaknesses but doesn't exploit them, Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer used for monitoring and analyzing network traffic, and Burp Suite is focused on web application security testing rather than direct exploitation of vulnerabilities. These distinctions clarify why Metasploit is the appropriate choice for exploiting an asset to test for vulnerabilities.