Vulnerability Scanning

Vulnerability scanning is essential for identifying and addressing security weaknesses in an IT environment and is generally considered an essential activity for organisations as it helps to:

1. Proactively Manage Risks – identify and fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited
   
   
2. Ensure Compliance – meet regulatory standards and avoid legal penalties
   
   
3. Protect Assets – safeguard critical data and systems from unauthorised access
   
   
4. Save Costs – prevent costly data breaches and associated expenses
   
   
5. Stay Informed – keep abreast of evolving threats to maintain a strong security posture

1. Target Identification: The scope of the scan – including networks, servers, endpoints and applications – is identified.
   
   
2. Scanning: The tool conducts a thorough examination of the specified targets using various techniques:
   
   
   • Port Scanning to identify open ports that could be potential entry points
   • Network Scanning to map the network and discover active devices and their configurations
   • Application Scanning to checks for vulnerabilities in software applications
     
     
3. Vulnerability Detection: The tool compares the scan results against a database of known vulnerabilities, such as CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures), to identify potential security issues.
   
   
4. Analysis and Categorisation: Detected vulnerabilities are analysed and categorised based on severity, potential negative impact and exploitability.
   
   
5. Reporting: A detailed report is generated, outlining the vulnerabilities found, their severity levels, and recommended remediation steps.
   
   
6. Remediation and Follow-Up: Organisations use the report to prioritise and address vulnerabilities. Follow-up scans may be conducted to ensure that remediation efforts were successful and no new vulnerabilities have emerged.

It’s important to take into account several key factors to ensure an effective and comprehensive approach when scanning.

1. Scope and Coverage
   
   
   • Assets to Scan: Determine which assets (networks, servers, endpoints, applications) need to be included
   • Frequency: Decide how often scans should be conducted (e.g., weekly, monthly, quarterly)
     
     
2. Tool Selection
   
   
   • Choose a tool that can scan various types of assets and detect a wide range of vulnerabilities.
   • Ensure the tool is user-friendly and provides clear, actionable reports.
   • Consider how well the tool integrates with your existing security infrastructure.
     
     
3. Compliance Requirements
   
   • Ensure the scanning process meets relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards.
     
     
4. Internal vs. External Scans
   
   
   • Internal scans focus on vulnerabilities within the organisation’s internal network that could be leveraged by an attacker within the network.
   • External scans identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited from outside the organisation.
     
     
5. Severity and Risk Assessment
   
   
   • Prioritisation: Develop a method to categorise and prioritise vulnerabilities based on their severity and potential negative impact on the organisation.
     
     
6. Remediation and Follow-Up
   
   
   • Action Plan: Establish a process for addressing identified vulnerabilities, including timelines and responsibilities.
   • Verification: Conduct follow-up scans to ensure vulnerabilities have been effectively remediated.
     
     
7. Resource Allocation
   
   
   • Staff and Skills: Ensure you have qualified personnel to manage the scanning process and address findings.
   • Budget: Allocate sufficient budget for tools, training and remediation efforts.
     
     
8. Reporting and Communication
   
   
   • Detailed Reports: Ensure the tool provides comprehensive reports that are understandable to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
   • Stakeholder Engagement: Keep relevant stakeholders informed about the findings and remediation progress.
     
     
9. Minimise Disruption: Choose tools and schedules that minimise the negative impact on/disruption to normal operations.