Network vulnerability scanning is a critical process that helps organizations identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities in their network infrastructure. These scans evaluate network assets, including computers and other devices, to determine potential targets that could be exploited by threat actors. Vulnerability scans are typically performed by an organization's IT department, although some organizations outsource this process to a third-party security service provider.
There are two overarching categories of vulnerability scans: authenticated and unauthenticated. Unauthenticated scans are conducted from the outside, revealing vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit without needing to log into the network. Authenticated scans are conducted while logged into the network as a trusted user, providing a more comprehensive analysis of the network's security posture.
To perform a vulnerability scan, organizations should follow four key steps:
Plan and define the scope of the scan: Organizations should identify the most sensitive data stored across the network, hunt down hidden sources of data, and create a map of the entire network infrastructure.
Identify vulnerabilities: An automated vulnerability scanning tool is typically used to identify specific vulnerabilities quickly, although some organizations also opt to conduct a manual penetration test.
Perform analysis: Utilize the reporting features built into the automated vulnerability scanning tool to prioritize which vulnerabilities to address first.
Mitigate or remediate identified vulnerabilities: Organizations should address vulnerabilities through either remediation or mitigation. Remediation involves fully eliminating a vulnerability to prevent exploitation, while mitigation tactics can be applied to at least reduce the likelihood of an attack.
IT teams are advised to scan internal and external systems at least quarterly, with monthly assessments considered best practice. Regular scans help prioritize risks and ensure that security teams are adequately assessing an organization's actual risk.
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