What is the purpose of the Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP)?

The Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP) is primarily designed to ensure that software and systems comply with mandated security requirements. It provides a standardized framework for the automated assessment of security vulnerabilities and configuration compliance. SCAP integrates various standards and protocols that facilitate the assessment process, including the use of vulnerability databases and reporting formats that help organizations maintain security oversight and compliance.

By utilizing SCAP, organizations can automate the evaluation of their systems against established security benchmarks. This ensures that software applications and systems are not only secure but also adhere to regulatory standards, thereby reducing the risk of security breaches and vulnerabilities that could potentially be exploited.

The other options present functions that do not align with the core purpose of SCAP. For instance, automatic software updating, real-time network monitoring, and software license management are critical aspects of overall systems management and cybersecurity but are not the focal point of what SCAP aims to achieve in terms of compliance and vulnerability assessment.