Vulnerability scans help companies identify weaknesses in their systems, networks, and applications. By scanning their infrastructure regularly, companies can proactively discover and address these vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
This helps in reducing the overall risk exposure and enhancing the security posture of the organization.In addition, many industries have specific compliance requirements and regulations related to data security, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
A vulnerability scan is a systematic process of identifying security vulnerabilities in a system, network, or application. It involves using automated tools and techniques to scan the target environment for known vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, or weak points that could potentially be exploited by attackers.
During a vulnerability scan, the scanning tool examines the target system by sending various types of probes or queries to identify potential weaknesses. These tools compare the system's configuration and software versions against a database of known vulnerabilities, which is regularly updated with information about new security flaws and weaknesses.
Performed using automated tools designed to identify security vulnerabilities in systems, networks, or applications.
The process generally involves the following steps:
To measure the organisation’s trend in its defences against vulnerabilities, regular follow-up vulnerability scans help ensure that the systems remain secure and that any new vulnerabilities that may arise are promptly addressed.