To test and confirm security settings and configurations in a networked environment, which cyber tool type would be most useful?

The most useful tool for testing and confirming security settings and configurations in a networked environment is a vulnerability scanner. Vulnerability scanners are specifically designed to assess systems for known vulnerabilities by checking configurations, patch levels, and security settings against a database of known issues. They can provide detailed reports indicating weaknesses in security measures, allowing organizations to identify and rectify potential security risks.

In contrast, firewalls function primarily as a barrier to control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules, but they do not actively test or report on the configurations of the systems they protect. Exploits are generally tools or methods used to take advantage of identified vulnerabilities rather than to assess or test for their presence. Packet sniffers analyze network traffic and can help in monitoring and capturing data but do not evaluate the security posture or configurations of the systems within the network. Thus, a vulnerability scanner is the most suitable choice for confirming security settings in a networked environment.