Understanding Vulnerability Scanning: How It Safeguards Your Company from Cyber Threats

In today’s world, cybersecurity threats are a significant concern for businesses of all sizes. With the increasing frequency of cyber-attacks, companies need to be proactive in their approach to cybersecurity. One effective way to do this is through vulnerability scanning. This article will discuss what vulnerability scanning is, how it works and how it can help protect a company from cybersecurity threats.

What is vulnerability scanning?

Vulnerability scans examine your IT network – including hardware and software – and identify any areas vulnerable to attack. It is a proactive approach to security that helps companies identify potential security risks before attackers can exploit them.

How does vulnerability scanning work?

Vulnerability scanning works by scanning a network or system for potential vulnerabilities. The scanning process is usually automated and can be scheduled to run at regular intervals. The process involves three main steps: discovery, mapping and vulnerability assessment. During the discovery phase, the tool identifies all the devices and services that are available in the target network or system. In the mapping phase, the tool determines the relationship between the devices and the services. Finally, in the vulnerability assessment phase, the tool searches for known vulnerabilities in the devices and services it has discovered.

Once the scanning process is complete, the results are analyzed to determine which vulnerabilities exist and how severe they are. The severity of a vulnerability is typically assessed based on the likelihood of it being exploited and the potential impact it could have on the system or network.

How can vulnerability scanning help protect a company from cybersecurity threats?

Vulnerability scanning can help protect a company from cybersecurity threats in several ways. First, vulnerability scanning can help companies improve their overall security posture. By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, companies can reduce the likelihood of successful cyber-attacks and protect their sensitive data from unauthorized access.

Additionally, vulnerability scanning can help companies stay compliant with regulatory requirements. Many regulatory requirements, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), require companies to regularly scan for vulnerabilities.

Case Study Example

Multiple well-known vulnerability scanning software are utilized in the field of cybersecurity, some of the most popular ones include Nessus, OpenVAS and Qualys. In a recent vulnerability scan, ABC company was able to determine a significant number of vulnerabilities. They found over 500 vulnerabilities they weren’t aware existed. Over the course of six months, they focused on patching those now known vulnerabilities and were able to reduce their cybersecurity risk. This example shows how vulnerability scanning software is essential because it allows businesses to identify their weaknesses and proactively address them before they become a big problem.

Questions?

Vulnerability scanning services are critical to any company’s cybersecurity strategy. By identifying potential vulnerabilities in a network or system, companies can take proactive steps to address these vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of successful cyber-attacks. Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, vulnerability scanning should be essential to your overall cybersecurity plan. Contact an Adams Brown Technology Specialist if your organization requires assistance with vulnerability scanning or any other cybersecurity services.