What type of vulnerability assessment technique involves using exploit tools?

The technique that involves using exploit tools is penetration testing. This approach simulates real-world attacks on a system or network to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an attacker. Penetration testing utilizes various tools and techniques to attempt to penetrate the defenses of an organization’s systems, thereby providing a more comprehensive understanding of the security posture.

During penetration testing, security professionals actively seek to exploit identified vulnerabilities in order to assess their potential impact. This knowledge allows organizations to understand how easily an attacker could gain unauthorized access and what data or systems could be compromised. The results from penetration testing can help prioritize remediation efforts based on the severity and implications of each discovered vulnerability.

In contrast, gap assessments focus on identifying discrepancies between the current security state and established best practices or standards without necessarily testing specific vulnerabilities through exploitation. Passive assessments monitor systems and data traffic without attempting to penetrate defenses, while active assessments may encompass broader testing methods without the specific application of exploit tools that are characteristic of penetration testing.