What is the functionality of the credentials in the context of Tenable.sc?

The functionality of credentials in the context of Tenable.sc is primarily to provide access to the scanning process. When conducting vulnerability scans, Tenable.sc utilizes credentials to authenticate and interact with systems effectively. These credentials allow the scanning tool to gain deeper visibility into systems and applications, enabling more comprehensive assessments of vulnerabilities.

By using credentials, Tenable.sc can perform authenticated scans, which investigate not only the external attack surface but also internal configurations and vulnerabilities that would not be detectable with unauthenticated scans. This capability ensures that scans can identify issues that require user permissions for detection, such as misconfigurations or outdated software versions that an unauthenticated scan would overlook.

This access is crucial for organizations seeking to understand their security posture thoroughly, as it allows for a more accurate and complete assessment of potential vulnerabilities within their networked infrastructure.