Which statement aligns with best practices in vulnerability assessment?

Conducting credentialed scans whenever possible aligns with best practices in vulnerability assessment due to the depth and accuracy of information they provide. Credentialed scans allow the scanning tool to log into systems with valid credentials, enabling it to gather detailed information about the system's configuration, installed software, and potential vulnerabilities that may not be visible through non-credentialed scans.

This approach significantly enhances the vulnerability assessment process by identifying issues such as missing patches, misconfigurations, or vulnerabilities that require deeper access to detect. Furthermore, credentialed scanning facilitates compliance with security best practices and standards, as it helps ensure that systems are not only scanned for outward-facing vulnerabilities but also for internal weaknesses that could be exploited by an attacker with internal access.

Overall, leveraging credentialed scanning as a part of your regular vulnerability assessment process strengthens your security posture and provides a more comprehensive view of the potential vulnerabilities within your environment.