What is Vulnerability Scanning?

Vulnerability Scanning is a proactive security technique which identifies vulnerabilities or weaknesses in computer systems, networks, or applications. It’s like a doctor examining your body to identify any potential health problems. 

By doing vulnerability scanning regularly, you can stay ahead of potential attacks and protect your computer and data from being compromised. 

Vulnerability scanning is a part of NWS – Network Security Scanning. Let’s dive deep into understanding what a Network Security Scan is ?

In today’s digital landscape , where cyber threats loom large , organisations must remain vigilant to safeguard their valuable assets and sensitive data. Consequently, hackers can exploit more security gaps than ever before . This is where Network Security Scanners come in !

Network Vulnerability Scanners (NVS) enable you to scan your existing infrastructure and identify security flaws.

These scanners are not just about locating vulnerabilities in your environment, it’s about remediating and changing your processes to ensure a top-notch security network . 

Know What to Scan & When to Scan 

In a world where cyber threats can come from any direction and at any time , the ability to configure and perform continuous monitoring and scanning is key. 

However , there are two big challenges related to vulnerability scanning knowing the whats and whens : 

👉Keeping an up-to-date asset inventory is an essential first step and requires its own set of tools and strategies.

👉Making sure that vulnerability scanning tools cover non traditional assets such as IoT’s , mobile assets , and cloud services is important.

What does a Vulnerability Scan Do for You?

Cyber attackers use numerous methods to breach a system. Weak passwords, IoT devices, phishing emails, social engineering , etc , are few of those channels that attackers can take the first step toward launching an attack. 

Known vulnerabilities are weaknesses that have already been made public. Such vulnerabilities already have a solution like a patch or an update for the software in question. When your network has known vulnerabilities that haven’t  been addressed, these weaknesses are like an open door for hackers . 

Hackers are aware of the remunerative potential of launching an attack on any business. The dark web allows even those who aren’t really tech-savvy to purchase information and codes to successfully launch complex attacks. As a result , hackers regularly search for networks that provide easy access through unpatched software. The  reality is that if you are not performing vulnerability scans on your network, someone else is. For many companies, the results of a vulnerability scan could be the difference between repairing a flaw and recovering from an attack. 

How Beneficial is Vulnerability Scanning ?

Vulnerability scanning is a valuable practice for organisations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity defences. By identifying vulnerabilities, taking prompt remedial actions, and staying compliant with industry standards, organisations can mitigate risks, safeguard critical assets, and maintain a robust security posture in an evolving threat landscape.

Risk Identification: Vulnerability scanning enables organisations to identify potential security weaknesses and vulnerabilities in their systems, networks, and applications. This proactive approach allows them to address these vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.

Enhanced Security: By regularly conducting vulnerability scans, organisations can strengthen their security defences. Prompt remediation of identified vulnerabilities, such as applying patches, updating software, or reconfiguring systems, helps close security gaps and reduces the risk of successful cyber attacks.

Compliance and Regulations: Many industry regulations and compliance frameworks mandate vulnerability scanning as a security requirement. By conducting regular scans and addressing identified vulnerabilities, organisations can demonstrate compliance with these standards and mitigate legal and regulatory risks.

Cost Savings: Detecting vulnerabilities early through scanning can save organisations from potentially costly security incidents. By identifying weaknesses before they are exploited, organisations can avoid financial losses due to data breaches, system downtime, reputation damage, or regulatory penalties.

Proactive Defence: Vulnerability scanning promotes a proactive defence strategy. It allows organisations to stay one step ahead of potential threats by identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in a timely manner. This approach strengthens the overall security posture, reduces the attack surface, and enhances incident response capabilities.

Business Continuity: Vulnerability scanning helps ensure business continuity by identifying vulnerabilities that could disrupt operations. By addressing these vulnerabilities, organisations can minimise the risk of system failures, data breaches, or service interruptions, ensuring uninterrupted business operations.

Reputational Protection: A successful cyber attack can severely damage an organisation’s reputation. By regularly scanning for vulnerabilities and taking appropriate measures to address them, organisations demonstrate their commitment to protecting sensitive data, customer information, and maintaining a secure environment. This proactive approach helps preserve trust and confidence among customers, partners, and stakeholders.

Security Awareness: Conducting vulnerability scans increases security awareness within an organisation. It highlights the importance of ongoing security assessments, promotes a security-focused culture, and encourages proactive security practices among employees.

Types of Network Vulnerability Scanners

Like most cybersecurity tools, Vulnerability scanners are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different scans target various areas of your network infrastructure, based on the organisational needs. 

Some companies are forced to depend on multiple vulnerability scanners to provide a comprehensive view of all the vulnerabilities that exist within a network. To determine the types of vulnerability scanners that best fits your needs, it’s important to examine  the use cases for each type. Some of the basic types of scanners are : 

Network Based Scanners : These scanners work inside the network for internal vulnerabilities but use network resources. It can be helpful for discovering unknown or unauthorised perimeter points or connections to insecure networks of business partners like vendors and shipping partners. Great for highly secure closed networks and soiled operation environments. 

Host Based Scanners : These are used to locate and identify  vulnerabilities in servers, workstations or other network hosts and provide greater visibility into the configuration settings and patch history of scanned systems. 

Application Scanners : These are used for scanning apps and websites . They are designed to find vulnerabilities in the third party softwares and programs utilised within your network. 

Wireless Scanners : These scanners work to identify vulnerabilities that can allow attackers to easily breach your system. Wireless scanners identify unauthorised access points in a wireless network and find inconsistencies in security configurations. 

Database Scanners :  Your database houses a wealth of information. Database scanners identify weak points in a database that could allow attackers to access and change or remove data . Additional database vulnerabilities can provide attackers with ways to control data servers or access other areas of the network through lateral movement that begins at the database. 

Some scanners perform multiple types of scans. While others perform a specific task . Beyond the types of scanners that are available, it’s important to consider the types of scans that must be performed to provide comprehensive  protection of your network , including endpoints like remote devices and IoT devices.

How is Vulnerability Scanning different from PenTesting ?

Vulnerability scanning is often confused with penetration testing but there are some major differences between the two. 

Here’s a clarity to how these two terminologies differ from each other in a comparison chart : 

To summarise, a vulnerability scan only identifies vulnerabilities, while a penetration test digs deeper to identify the root cause of the vulnerabilities. 

Top Tips to Manage Vulnerabilities 

A solid vulnerability management plan is vital for your organisation to ensure network security and compliance efforts. 

Here are few tips to discover the potential weaknesses in your system : 

Prioritise the most Important Vulnerabilities First 

It can be overwhelming to see innumerable vulnerabilities after a scan. Rather than thinking in terms of single targets, consider the interconnection of assets with the rest of the IT infrastructure and categorise them .

Be Sure your Workstation & Server Software is Up-to-Date 

Most of the time the vulnerabilities are found through malware exploitation in workstations and servers. Patching those will reduce the available attack surface and eliminate the occurrence of certain vulnerabilities in your scans from the beginning. With patch management or software updated tools like ‘Software Update’ , ‘Critical Update’ , this process can be automated to reduce the workload and save time.

Confirm your Scope 

PCI DSS requires you to run vulnerability scans on in-scope networks or processes. In-Scope Networks are directly involved in the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE) , meaning that the system’s component scores, processes or transmits cardholder’s data. 

Systems considered in-scope like Firewalls, Severs, POS Devices need to follow all applicable requirements to protect cardholder data. 

It is always wise consulting a security professional such as PCI DSS Qualified Security Assessors (QSA). Small organisations don’t need to worry about this issue because they typically set up a flat network. Complex networks using segmentation to reduce PCI DSS Scope should pay attention to when their scope changes  throughout the year , they need to adjust the vulnerability scans accordingly. 

Regular Scanning of Vulnerabilities 

One scan is just a snapshot in time , but new vulnerabilities are found and reported on a daily basis. Frequent Scans are crucial to stay on top of the current situation. Regular scanning also ensures that the problems that were addressed previously are now fixed. 

The One-Key Solution 

Vulnerability Scans can offer a false sensitive solution that leaves your organisation open to attack if you don’t have a comprehensive cybersecurity solution. Vulnerability Scans reveal known flaws and the threat level they can carry based on the ways hackers can exploit them. 

The reports provided by these scans are designed to create a roadmap for improvement to be carried out by security experts. 

A comprehensive cybersecurity solution uses vulnerability scans that constantly monitor your network and provide a real-time incident response. 

Remember , vulnerability scans are not just about locating and reporting vulnerabilities.  It’s also about establishing a repeatable and reliable process for fixing problems