Vulnerability Scanning: Keeping on top of the most common threats

Any business or organization that utilizes IT systems for communication could benefit from a vulnerability scanning service. This includes both internal networks and external Internet communications.

If you feel this captures a broad range of entities, you’re right! In our interconnected world, digital services need to be accessible to everyone from anywhere, constantly. The shift to remote work, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made secure connections even more crucial. However, increasing communication access can heighten the risk of attracting unwelcome cyber attention.

There are numerous scenarios where vulnerability scanning is advantageous. For example, if your business develops and hosts extensive enterprise applications, how do you prevent the introduction of vulnerabilities due to insecure development practices or usage of insecure third-party components?

Or, if your systems manage sensitive information like payment card details or Personally Identifiable Information, how do you comply with relevant standards and certifications like the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)?

Lastly, if you implement a Bring Your Own Device policy, how can you guarantee that the devices linked to your corporate network are using secure, updated operating systems with antivirus applications and the latest security patches?

Attackers frequently exploit automated tools to locate exploitable vulnerabilities. We can also leverage similar methods to assess our networks, allowing us to stay ahead of potential threats.

A variety of vulnerability scanning services are available that can efficiently conduct automated assessments of common weaknesses in your infrastructure or applications.

By performing these scans routinely, you can stay informed of new vulnerabilities as they emerge and address them proactively, before attackers can exploit them.

Many vulnerability scanning solutions also support other aspects of your VMP. Some may feature asset discovery to help track your organization’s networked devices, while others could allow you to export findings directly into your issue tracking system for coordinated remediation processes.

Tools specifically designed for software development might connect to your development environments, enabling the detection of insecure coding practices immediately or during the build process.

Automated tools are fundamental to an effective Vulnerability Management Program. However, don’t mistake this for the belief that “a scan a day will keep attackers at bay.”

The effectiveness of vulnerability scanning solutions hinges on the quality of their databases and rule sets. If a vulnerability is newly disclosed, highly specialized, or too complex, a scanner may overlook it. Additionally, deployment errors can prevent scanners from detecting vulnerabilities for various reasons.

While a clean scan report is favorable to one filled with numerous findings, it can give a misleading sense of security regarding your actual risk level. In-depth human testing remains crucial, as automated scans do not match the comprehensiveness of skilled professionals.

Consider vulnerability scanning as a cost-effective strategy for managing common security issues, freeing up resources for more detailed manual testing. Regular penetration tests in conjunction with your scanning results can help identify systemic vulnerabilities in your scanning strategy.

Vulnerability scanning solutions come in various configurations. The best fit for your organization will depend on numerous factors, including the size and complexity of your IT environment, pricing, hosting options, and their compatibility with your existing VMP.

Our newly released guidance provides insights on the different types of scanners, advice on using them effectively, and tips for selecting suitable products or services.

Richard D
Lead Security Engineer