6 Steps to Effective Vulnerability Management in Your Technology

Technological vulnerabilities are unfortunately a side effect of innovation. When software companies release new updates, the code often contains weaknesses. Hackers find a way to exploit them. Software developers then address the vulnerabilities with a security patch. The cycle continues with each new software or hardware update.  

It is estimated that approximately 93% of corporate networks are susceptible to hacker infiltration. Assessing and managing these network vulnerabilities is not always a priority for organizations. Many suffer breaches due to poor vulnerability management.  

61% of corporate network security breaches are more than 5 years old.  

Many types of attacks take advantage of unpatched vulnerabilities in software code. This includes ransomware attacks, account takeovers, and other common cyberattacks.  

Whenever you see the term "exploit" when reading about a data breach, it's an exploitation of a vulnerability. Hackers write malicious code to take advantage of these vulnerabilities. This code allows them to gain privileges, execute system commands, or perform other dangerous network intrusions.

Implementing an effective vulnerability management process can reduce your risks. It doesn't have to be complicated. Simply follow the steps outlined below to get started.

Vulnerability Management Process

Step 1: Identify your assets

First, you need to identify all the devices and software you need to assess. You should include all devices that connect to your network, including:  

• Computers
• Smartphones
• The tablets
• IoT devices
• The servers
• Cloud services

Vulnerabilities can appear in many places, such as operating system code, cloud platform code, software code, or firmware. Therefore, you'll need a complete inventory of all systems and endpoints on your network.  

This is an important first step, so you will know what you need to include in the scope of your assessment.  

Step 2: Perform a vulnerability assessment

The next step will be to perform a vulnerability assessment. This is usually done by an IT professional using assessment software. This could also include network penetration testing.  

During the assessment, the professional scans your systems for known vulnerabilities. The assessment tool compares the software versions found to vulnerability databases.  

For example, a database might note that a version of Microsoft Exchange has a vulnerability. If it detects that you have a server running that same version, it will note it as a weakness found in your network security.  

Step 3: Prioritize vulnerabilities by threat level

The assessment results provide a roadmap for mitigating network vulnerabilities. There will usually be several, and not all are as serious as the others. You will then need to prioritize which ones to address first.  

At the top of the list should be those that experts consider serious. Many vulnerability assessment tools will use the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) . This ranks vulnerabilities with a severity score ranging from low to critical.  

You'll also want to prioritize vulnerabilities based on your own business needs. If a piece of software is only used occasionally on a single device, you might consider it a lower priority to address. If it's a vulnerability in software used on all employee devices, you might consider it a higher priority.  

Step 4: Fix vulnerabilities

Fix vulnerabilities based on the priority list. Fixing often means applying a security update or patch, but it can also mean upgrading hardware that may be too old to update.  

Another form of remediation can be containment. This is when you "isolate" an application or device on the network. A company might do this if an analysis reveals a vulnerability for which a patch does not yet exist.  

Increasing advanced threat protection settings on your network can also help. Once you've addressed the weaknesses, you should confirm the fixes.  

Step 5: Document the activities

It is important to document the vulnerability assessment and management process. This is vital for both cybersecurity and compliance purposes.  

You'll want to document when you last performed the vulnerability assessment. Then document all steps taken to remediate each vulnerability. Keeping this information will be vital in the event of a future breach or to inform the next vulnerability assessment.  

Step 6: Schedule your next vulnerability assessment scan

Once you've completed a series of vulnerability assessments and mitigations, you're not done. Vulnerability management is an ongoing process.  

In 2022, more than 22,500 new vulnerabilities were documented. Developers continue to update their software continuously. Each of these updates can introduce new vulnerabilities into your network.  

It is recommended to have a regular vulnerability assessment schedule. The cycle of assessment, prioritization, mitigation, and documentation must be continuous. This fortifies your network against cyberattacks. It removes one of the main catalysts for hackers.  

Start your vulnerability assessment

Take the first step toward effective vulnerability management. We can help fortify your network against attacks. Contact us today to schedule a vulnerability assessment to get started.    

About Nexxo

Nexxo Computer Solutions specializes in providing IT and technology services to Quebec businesses. Its mission is to offer Quebec companies IT services tailored to their needs. Acting as an external IT department, it handles all of a company's IT tasks, allowing it to focus on its business activities. It achieves this by collaborating closely with its clients and putting their interests at the center of its concerns.