How to do a network vulnerability assessment

A vulnerability and risk assessment is designed to identify any weaknesses in your network and data, and allow you to implement a proactive approach to network and device security.

Companies can choose between several approaches for vulnerability assessment, including manual testing with software-based products, penetration testing by consultants, and self-service automated third-party solutions.

If vulnerabilities are found, they are graded on a severity scale to determine whether or not they should be addressed.

This is step-by step guide on how to do a network vulnerability assessment

The pillars of security

As part of an overall IT security strategy, a vulnerability assessment can be used alongside anti-virus, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems (IDS). IT can close evident vulnerabilities, reducing the intrusion detection system’s workload. Vulnerability assessment works with firewalls to monitor for inadvertently introduced vulnerabilities. The intrusion detection system alerts the business when unusual activity is detected by the vulnerability assessment before it can be abused.

Determine the vulnerability assessment strategy and techniques

• Identify the location of your most sensitive data.
• Make a list of the systems and networks you want to use.
• Determine which servers are responsible for running mission-critical software.
• Find data that has been buried in a secret location.
• Check for incorrect settings on all available ports and processes.
• Determine the whole IT infrastructure, digital products, and devices in use.

Identify, analyse and prioritise

Vulnerability assessment companies often scan new systems when they join the network, after software is installed or modified, and on a regular basis thereafter. When a vulnerability is discovered, the organisation corrects it and then does a second scan to verify that the vulnerability has been eliminated.

A common vulnerability scoring system (CVSS) is used by the majority of tools in order to issue a numerical score. Taking the time to analyse these results will help you identify the most critical areas for improvement. For example, you can put things in order based on how serious they are, how urgent they need attention or how much damage they could cause, for example costs to the business, information that needs to be recovered or has been lost forever, and other setbacks.

Take action

After you’ve identified and examined the vulnerabilities, the following step is to determine how to correct them. This can be accomplished in two ways: through remediation or mitigation.

Remediation

A vulnerability must be remedied in its entirety in order to be safe against attack. New security tools, a product upgrade, or something more complicated are all viable options for achieving this goal. Every stakeholder must be included in the vulnerability repair process, which builds on the priorities established during the analysis phase.

Mitigation

Mitigation helps to lessen the risk of an attack if there is no adequate fix or patch for a discovered vulnerability.  When remediation is not possible, this approach is employed to buy time. The mitigation procedure should include the deployment of additional tools to decrease cybersecurity threats. Antivirus scanners, remote firewalls, and predictive AI threat detection can all be implemented by reputable solutions to achieve this goal.

A last word

Partnering with security specialists is essential if you want to find and fix any holes in your company’s security that they point out. ASG has developed the tools and techniques necessary to undertake a full evaluation of vulnerability as well as penetration testing to aid your company in safeguarding its network and data as well as ensuring that your IT infrastructure is current,  secure, and POPI compliant.

Managed vulnerability assessments provide businesses with a method that is not only simple but also effective, efficient, and inexpensive for maintaining the safety of their networks. It gives subscribers access to network topology mapping instantly, in real time, and on demand, as well as thorough data regarding security flaws and tested fixes. Contact us.