When software companies release updates, hidden weaknesses often come along. Crafty hackers exploit these gaps, and it's a continuous battle between them and software makers who work hard to address these vulnerabilities through security patches. Unfortunately, not all organizations prioritize assessing and managing these network weak spots, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats. A staggering 93% of corporate networks are susceptible to hacker penetration, and shockingly, 61% of security vulnerabilities in these networks are over five years old.

Importance of Risk-Based Vulnerability Management Program

Many common cyberattacks, such as ransomware and account takeover, leverage unpatched vulnerabilities in software code. When you hear about a data breach involving an "exploit," it means hackers have taken advantage of these weaknesses, using malicious code to infiltrate systems and perform various malicious actions.

Building a Defense

The good news is that putting together an effective vulnerability management process can significantly reduce your risk. It doesn't have to be complicated; just follow these six straightforward steps to establish a robust Risk-Based Vulnerability Management Program.

Step 1: Identify Your Assets

Begin by identifying all the devices and software connected to your network. This includes computers, smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, servers, and cloud services. Vulnerabilities can exist in various places, such as operating system code, cloud platforms, software, or firmware. Creating a comprehensive inventory of all systems and endpoints in your network is crucial for understanding the scope of your assessment.

Step 2: Perform a Vulnerability Assessment

Next, conduct a vulnerability assessment, typically done by an IT professional using specialized software. This process may also involve penetration testing. The assessment scans your systems for known vulnerabilities, matching software versions against databases that catalog these vulnerabilities. For example, if a vulnerability is detected in a version of Microsoft Exchange that matches a server in your network, it is identified as a security weakness.

Step 3: Prioritize Vulnerabilities by Threat Level

The assessment results serve as a roadmap for addressing network vulnerabilities. However, not all vulnerabilities are created equal. Using systems like the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), rank vulnerabilities by severity – from low to critical. Additionally, consider your business needs when prioritizing. A vulnerability in seldom-used software on one device might be a lower priority than one in widely-used software on all employee devices.

Step 4: Remediate Vulnerabilities

Remediate vulnerabilities based on your prioritized list. This often involves applying updates or security patches, upgrading outdated hardware, or implementing ring fencing – isolating vulnerable applications or devices from the network. Confirming the effectiveness of these fixes is crucial.

Step 5: Document Activities

Documenting the vulnerability assessment and management process is essential for both cybersecurity and compliance. Keep records of when the last vulnerability assessment was conducted and detail the steps taken to remediate each vulnerability. These logs become critical in the event of a breach and help inform future vulnerability assessments.

Step 6: Schedule Your Next Vulnerability Assessment Scan

Vulnerability management is an ongoing process. In 2022 alone, over 22,500 new vulnerabilities were documented, showcasing the continuous evolution of threats. Developers constantly update their software, introducing new vulnerabilities. Establish a regular schedule for vulnerability assessments, ensuring a cycle of assessment, prioritization, mitigation, and documentation to fortify your network against cyber threats.

Conclusion

A proactive approach to Risk-Based Vulnerability Management is crucial. By identifying assets, performing regular assessments, prioritizing threats, remediating vulnerabilities, documenting activities, and scheduling ongoing assessments, organizations can significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture. This is where trusting the best Risk-Based Vulnerability Management comes to action. Don't let outdated vulnerabilities be the chink in your digital armor – take charge of your network security today.