- Vulnerability management is the process of identifying, evaluating, treating, and reporting on security vulnerabilities in systems and the software.
- Implementing the four stages of vulnerability management is crucial for organisations to strengthen cybersecurity defences.
Vulnerability management is more than just a checklist of tasks; it’s a commitment to ongoing vigilance and improvement. As cyberthreats become more sophisticated, organisations must evolve their approach to cybersecurity. By understanding and implementing the four stages of vulnerability management, organisations can better protect their digital assets, ensure business continuity, and maintain a secure digital environment.
1. Perform vulnerability scan
The foundation of vulnerability management lies in identification. Organisations must perform regular vulnerability scans using automated tools that can detect weaknesses in systems, networks, and applications. These scans should be comprehensive, covering all digital touchpoints from software and hardware to cloud services and IoT devices.
Regular scans ensure continuous monitoring, and updating scanning tools helps recognise new vulnerabilities. Documenting findings is crucial for further assessment and action.
Also read: What is vulnerability management lifecycle?
Also read: What is vulnerability management and why is it important?
2. Vulnerability assessment
After vulnerabilities are identified, they need to be assessed so the risks posed by them are dealt with appropriately and in accordance with an organisation’s vulnerability management program framework. This involves understanding the nature of the vulnerability, the assets it exposes, and the likelihood of it being exploited. Vulnerability management platforms will provide different risk ratings and scores for vulnerabilities, such as Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) scores.
These scores are helpful in telling organisations which vulnerabilities they should focus on first, but the true risk posed by any given vulnerability depends on some other factors beyond these out-of-the-box risk ratings and scores. Vulnerabilities should be ranked based on risk scores, considering the context of your organisation’s specific digital environment. Consulting with security experts can provide valuable insights into complex findings.
3. Prioritise & remediate vulnerabilities
Upon validation of a vulnerability as a legitimate risk, organisations must engage with stakeholders to determine the appropriate treatment strategy. The spectrum of treatment options ranges from remediation to acceptance, each with its own implications and applications.
Remediation: Fully fixing or patching a vulnerability so it can’t be exploited. This is the ideal treatment option that organisations strive for.
Mitigation: This is the process of reducing the probability and potential damage of a vulnerability being exploited. Utilised when a direct fix or patch is unavailable, mitigation serves as a temporary measure, allowing time for a permanent solution to be developed.
Acceptance: Acknowledging a vulnerability without taking action to rectify it. This approach is reserved for scenarios where the risk is minimal and the costs of addressing the vulnerability outweigh the potential damage if it were exploited.
Vulnerability management solutions offer guidance on remediation techniques. However, these recommendations may not always align with an organisation’s specific context, necessitating a tailored remediation strategy crafted by security teams, system owners, and administrators. Remediation can range from applying a software patch to more complex infrastructure overhauls.
Continuous vulnerability management
Cybersecurity is a moving target. Continuous vulnerability management involves ongoing monitoring, regular updates to scanning tools, and adapting to new threats. It also includes educating employees about security best practices and fostering a culture of proactive risk management.
Establish a feedback loop for continuous improvement and integrate vulnerability management into your organisation’s daily operations. Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity trends and threats.
