What strategy should be employed to handle a vulnerability identified by a vulnerability scanner?

Updating the banner or version number in response to vulnerabilities identified by a vulnerability scanner is an important step in reinforcing security posture. This action is relevant especially when it involves software that has known vulnerabilities marked by outdated versions. By updating the version number or banner, an organization can ensure that it is running the latest software, which may include necessary patches or security measures that mitigate the vulnerabilities.

This step is not only about aesthetics; it reflects operational practices that help in avoiding exploitation by malicious actors. When vulnerabilities are identified, organizations should seek to validate whether those vulnerabilities exist in their operational environments and confirm that they are using the most current software versions which contain fixes for those vulnerabilities.

In contrast, the other strategies do not effectively address the purpose of vulnerability management. Deleting the affected system may not be practical and could lead to loss of essential services or data. Notifying end-users immediately may cause unnecessary alarm without a proper strategy to remediate the vulnerability first. Ignoring low-level vulnerabilities is risky because even seemingly minor vulnerabilities can be exploited, especially when combined with other factors, potentially leading to significant security breaches. Thus, updating the banner or version number ensures proactive management of vulnerability exposure.