Make Vulnerability Scanners Part of Your Security Strategy

Nobody plans to get hacked, but when a door is left open, so to speak, you’re basically letting a cyber criminal have easy access to your data. The problem is that there are many “doors” in the average network, and without vulnerability scanners, you’re not going to know where you’re most vulnerable to an attack.

Because vulnerability scanners are automated solutions, there is little to no risk of human error while your network is being checked over. It is often the case that enterprise networks are mandated to improve security. They are among the biggest users of vulnerability scanners, but even non-enterprise networks can benefit with this extra security measure.

Scanner Varieties

There are two main ways in which vulnerability scanners work: externally and internally. If you want to measure your vulnerability to attacks from the perimeter of your network via servers and applications, taking the external approach is preferable.

Internal vulnerability scans are used to find flaws that industrious hackers will prey upon. When hackers find these flaws, they are able to make lateral moves to servers and systems through the local network. An internal scan will help you figure out if your network is configured securely and if it is segmented.

If you are held to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, you will be required to make external and internal scans on a quarterly basis. Also, these scans will need to be made any time you install new components, modify your firewall, or begin using a new system.

Web Scans

Given that most organizations use multiple web applications on any given day, it becomes necessary to perform vulnerability scans on these as well. Utilizing special tools to seek out vulnerabilities in your web-based applications, the scanning process looks at the web server, the operating system, the web server daemon, and database services.

A good web application scanner will look for the most common web flaws, such as SQL injection, path traversal, and command injection. When used with static application security testing tools, your web application scanners will analyze source code as it’s being developed.

To ensure that you achieve continuous vulnerability management, you need to make sure you’re using the right tools for the job. Given the complexities of these tools and the sheer volume of them, partnering with an agent can help you choose more wisely.

At One Connect, we’re working with our customers to help them align security strategies to their needs by selecting tailored solutions. We’re saving them time and a lot of hassle by setting them up with faster resolutions that can keep them protected and business running in the right direction — toward profits. Contact us and let’s talk about the value we provide.