Vulnerability Assessment Services: Why You Need Them and What to Expect

To put your organization in the best strategic position to withstand cyberattacks, it’s essential to know what your IT system’s weak points are and how to remediate them.

A vulnerability assessment is a great place to start.

What is a vulnerability assessment?

A vulnerability assessment is a process for reviewing your IT systems to proactively identify, classify and report security vulnerabilities. Vulnerability assessments are typically performed using a software program to conduct scans and tests. 

A vulnerability assessment can provide your organization with a list of suggested fixes that, once implemented, will strengthen your cybersecurity posture.

After remediation, vulnerability assessments can lead to:

• Enhanced overall security through identifying current weaknesses
• The reduced likelihood of future attacks
• The ability to verify any regulatory compliance or cyber insurance requirements
• Stronger customer trust and enhanced business reputation

How do I know if I really need vulnerability assessment services?

Conducting a vulnerability assessment can benefit any organization looking to prepare for cyberattacks, stay in compliance with data regulations and enhance trust with their customers, but there are a few common indicators that an assessment should be a top priority for your organization:

• You’ve had previous security incidents – If your organization has experienced a cyberattack in the past, that’s a clear sign that the infrastructure has weaknesses that should be addressed.
• There have been changes in your IT infrastructure – Introducing new endpoints or devices on a mass scale or any other changes can introduce weak points.
• You have compliance responsibilities – Many data privacy and IT standards, such as GDPR, HIPPA, and PCI DSS, strongly advise or explicitly require vulnerability assessments.
• You’d like to have a third-party opinion – When administered by a qualified provider, a vulnerability assessment can provide an objective perspective about the state of your cybersecurity.
• Your customers have asked about your security – Current and potential customers may request proof of your cybersecurity strength for assurance before entrusting your business with their assets.
• You want a more proactive cybersecurity plan – If you’re ready to take a more preemptive stance towards cybersecurity, you need to know what your vulnerabilities are.

What type of vulnerability assessment does my organization need?

Different types of vulnerability assessments have different objectives. A technology advisor can help you determine which best fits your organization’s unique needs.

Network Vulnerability Assessment

This type scrutinizes the network infrastructure of wired and wireless networks, conducting scans and tests on switches, firewalls, routers and other network mechanisms. It can be used as part of routine security audits and to verify compliance requirements.

Web Application Vulnerability Assessment

Web applications undergo examination to detect security issues such as poor input validation and lapses in access control. Web application vulnerability assessments should be administered during development and upon changes after deployment.

Host Vulnerability Assessment

Workstations, servers and laptops are scanned to identify misconfigurations, unapplied patches, obsolete software and more. Use these assessments to check for vulnerabilities after a security incident and to show how well your patch management program is performing.

Database Vulnerability Assessment

This assessment examines databases and servers to highlight deficiencies in database management, such as weak passwords or database misconfigurations. Database vulnerability assessments should be used as a tool to identify issues related to database security, like unauthorized data access and database server host security.

What can my business expect from the vulnerability assessment process?

While every organization is different, you can expect three main phases in the vulnerability assessment process:

1.    Initial Consultation/Determine Scope

• Discuss business goals – Other than reinforcing your cybersecurity, what are the business outcomes you want to see? Your technology advisor can develop your vulnerability assessments to address those particular needs.
• Consider compliance requirements – Your assessments should take in account any applicable security standards for your business and/or industry. This may include GDPR, HIPPA, HITECH, ISO 27001, NIST, PCI-DSS, SOC2 or SOX.
• Plan for timing and impact –Some assessments can take as little as a few minutes, while others can last several days. Some types of testing can be more intrusive than others, requiring a complete shutdown of operations. Your advisor can help create a realistic timeline and give you an estimated time for completion. In some cases, it may be necessary to conduct the tests outside business hours.
• Determine assessment type –Your advisor will help you determine your assessment type. Which aspect of your IT infrastructure poses the most risk/threat exposure? What is the likelihood of the different types of cyberattacks to the system in question?

2.    Assessment Process

• Conduct automated scanning –Specific software will be used to automatically scan the target areas of your IT systems.

3.    Analysis and Reporting

• Report findings – Your technology advisor will create a highly detailed report that identifies all of the vulnerabilities detected and their threat exposure. This report becomes your roadmap for vulnerability remediation and is listed in order of remediation importance.

How often should I have a vulnerability test conducted?

Ideally, vulnerability assessments should be performed at least once every quarter. It may be necessary to conduct them more frequently depending on your activities, requirements or any significant shift in the cyberthreat landscape.

How should my organization prepare for a vulnerability assessment?

Before starting the vulnerability assessment process, talk to your advisor to determine what resources (time, personnel, etc.) will be needed, and be sure that you understand how your organization’s information will be protected in the process.

Instead of taking on vulnerability assessments yourself, consider using an experienced third-party provider to administer them for you, and be sure that you choose a qualified provider of vulnerability assessment services.

Learn more and get started with vulnerability assessment services

With regular vulnerability assessments, you can remain many steps ahead of cyberthreats. Get in touch with a Warren Averett Technology Group advisor to start planning how to identify and eliminate the IT vulnerabilities that place your organization and its assets at risk.