Which of the following is a characteristic of an active vulnerability assessment?

Active vulnerability assessments are characterized by the use of various automated tools and techniques to identify potential security weaknesses in a system or network. One distinguishing feature of an active vulnerability assessment is its ability to alter network activity patterns. This can be accomplished through techniques such as penetration testing, where security professionals simulate attacks on the network to discover vulnerabilities. By interacting with the system and uncovering potential weaknesses, these assessments provide a realistic view of how an attacker might exploit vulnerabilities in the environment.

This characteristic is crucial because it allows organizations to understand their security posture in a more dynamic way and helps prioritize remediation efforts based on actual risk exposure. Engaging in activities that actively probe the network creates a more thorough and accurate assessment than passive methods would provide.

The other options describe characteristics that do not align with the nature of an active vulnerability assessment. For instance, active assessments do not rely solely on user feedback, nor are they conducted exclusively through manual processes or paper-based reviews; both of these methods would be more indicative of passive approaches.