Vulnerability Scanning: A Proactive Approach to Cybersecurity 

With an ever-increasing amount of sensitive data being stored and processed online, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical. While reactive measures are important, preparing for worst-case scenarios is equally important. Vulnerability scanning embodies this proactive approach, enabling organisations to identify and address potential security weaknesses before they can be exploited.  

The process involves systematically probing IT networks and systems (software, devices, files and databases) to detect and assess vulnerabilities. By conducting regular scans, organisations gain valuable insights into their security posture. This enables them to prioritise and remediate risks before malicious actors can exploit them. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of vulnerability scanning, exploring its key benefits, limitations, and role in bolstering overall cybersecurity. 

Decoding the basics of vulnerability scanning

In many organisations today, vulnerability scans are fully automated and conducted by various tools, applications, and software. These tools generally use a database of known vulnerabilities, often referencing the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) database, which catalogues publicly disclosed threats. When a scanner detects an irregularity, it generates an alert that appears on the user’s dashboard. 

The primary functions of a vulnerability scanner include three key aspects: 

1. Scanning: It offers a snapshot view or an ongoing overview of recognised and newly identified assets. 

2. Identification: The system identifies and highlights vulnerabilities using information from the CVE database and other resources tracking known irregularities. 

3. Assessment and Prioritisation: Leveraging metrics built into the scanner, network devices analyse CVE data, threat intelligence, and data science techniques to evaluate vulnerabilities and prioritise them for remediation. 

Benefits of vulnerability scanning in your security framework

Vulnerability scanning offers a range of advantages beyond merely detecting security weaknesses. Here are some key benefits: 

• Vulnerability scanners automate identifying security weaknesses, significantly reducing the risk of human error. Manually checking each system component would be incredibly time-consuming, making automated vulnerability assessments a much faster and more efficient solution. While automation is crucial, human expertise remains essential to verify the accuracy of the identified vulnerabilities and ensure that no false positives are flagged. 

• Vulnerability scanning also provides a comprehensive inventory of an organisation’s IT assets. Organisations gain visibility into their entire digital landscape by listing all hardware, software, and network devices. This inventory allows for better asset tracking, ensuring that all components are monitored for vulnerabilities and compliance. Additionally, having a clear understanding of IT assets helps in identifying unsupported systems that may pose security risks.  

• According to IBM, data breaches can be extremely costly for businesses, with an average price tag of US$4.35 million. This figure can rise even further when factors like security system failures, regulatory non-compliance, and third-party involvement are considered. A vulnerability scanner can proactively identify and address security weaknesses, potentially preventing costly data breaches and safeguarding sensitive information. 

Types of vulnerability scans 

Here’s a breakdown of common vulnerability scan types, each designed to secure IT environments in specific ways: 

External scanning: External scanning involves mimicking the actions of an outsider trying to breach an organisation. This method helps identify vulnerabilities within the organisation’s defences, such as firewalls, internal and web applications, data ports (especially those that are open or underused), and various network components. 

Internal scanning: Internal scans assess weaknesses from within the network. They reveal what an attacker could achieve if they gained access, including moving laterally and potentially stealing sensitive data during a breach.\ 

Authenticated scanning: Authenticated scanning involves a tester logging in as a legitimate user to assess vulnerabilities from the viewpoint of a trusted user. 

Unauthenticated scanning: In unauthenticated scanning, a tester without credentials assesses the infrastructure from the perspective of a potential intruder, allowing for the identification of extra risks and vulnerabilities. 

Compliance scanning: Compliance scanning refers to the process of assessing systems and networks to ensure they meet established security standards or regulatory requirements. This practice helps verify that an organisation’s IT infrastructure is following industry best practices and legal obligations, thereby reducing non-compliance risks. 

Network scanning: Network scanning operates with port scanners to identify weak or suspect passwords. It conducts limited penetration testing while ensuring that network operations remain uninterrupted. Additionally, it takes advantage of recognised vulnerabilities to locate potential attack vectors and other irregularities without impacting system or network performance. 

Limitations of vulnerability scanners 

While vulnerability scanners offer significant advantages in identifying and mitigating security risks, they also have inherent limitations that can impact their effectiveness: 

• Vulnerability scanners function like antivirus software, relying on a database of known vulnerabilities. Using outdated tools or those with limited capabilities can lead to missed vulnerabilities and a false sense of security. Even advanced scanners might not detect newly discovered vulnerabilities or those too complex to be automatically identified. 

• Secondly, vulnerability scanners often struggle with accuracy issues. There are instances when unknown network traffic is mistakenly flagged as an exploit. These challenges typically occur because scanners require comprehensive data to authenticate endpoints accurately.  However, they often rely on limited data, leading to potential misinterpretations. 

Distilled 

This comprehensive guide has explored the ins and outs of vulnerability scanning, from its fundamental concepts to its practical applications. By understanding the benefits and limitations of this critical security practice, businesses can make informed decisions to safeguard their digital assets.