Network vulnerability assessment involves a systematic review of weaknesses in security in information systems. An assessment reveals whether a system is prone to any of the known vulnerabilities and what their severity levels are. This allows organizations to take remediation action or mitigation measures as needed. Some of the threats that may be prevented through a vulnerability assessment are XSS, SQL injection, and code injection attacks; faulty authentication mechanisms that lead to an escalation of privileges; and insecure defaults (for example, a guessable admin password).
Types of Vulnerability Assessments
Host Assessment
This involves the evaluation of critical servers. They may be attacked if they are not either adequately tested or generated from tested machine images.
Network As Well As Wireless Assessment
An assessment of both policies and practices prevents unauthorized access to public or private networks and accessible resources.
Database Assessment
This calls for an assessment of databases/big data systems for misconfigurations and vulnerabilities, identification of rogue databases/insecure development/testing environments, and classification of sensitive data across the infrastructure of an organization.
Application Scans
This scan enables the identification of security vulnerabilities related to web applications and source codes via automated advanced vulnerability assessment tools.
Vulnerability Assessment Process
There are four steps to the vulnerability assessment process. They are as follows:
#1: Testing
In this step, a comprehensive list of vulnerabilities is prepared after testing the applications, servers, and all other systems through scans using automated advanced vulnerability assessment tools. They may also be tested and evaluated manually.
#2: Analysis
The analysis helps to identify not only the source but also the cause of the vulnerabilities that have been identified during step one of the assessment process. It also helps to identify the system components that are responsible for the vulnerabilities.
#3: Risk Assessment
Risk assessment is all about prioritizing vulnerabilities. Security analysts assign a severity score to the identified vulnerabilities based on factors such as affected systems, data risk, business function risk, ease of compromise or attack, the severity of an attack, and potential damage that vulnerability can cause.
#4: Remediation
Remediation involves taking action to close security gaps. Security analysts, and development and operations teams work together to determine the most effective remediation or mitigation measure. Remediation steps may include:
- Implementation of new security measures, procedures, and tools
- Incorporation of changes in operation or configuration
- Development and implementation of vulnerability patches
Advanced Vulnerability Assessments
Along with the advancements in the digital world, cyber threats are also becoming more sophisticated. Often, the damage would have been caused by the time organizations realize the magnitude of the attack. As the attackers make use of specific tools for the purpose of breaching networks, cutting-edge technology solutions are required to tackle targeted attacks. This means proactive action is needed to detect, assess, and manage vulnerabilities as traditional security products may not be effective.
Zerone Technologies
As a leading systems integration services provider, Zerone Technologies offers IT, telecom, and software solutions for small and large enterprises. Zerone’s strength is its technically strong, dedicated, and motivated professionals who have the experience and expertise to clearly understand customers’ requirements. They employ advanced vulnerability assessment techniques to determine the security gaps in the IT network of their clients and recommend and implement effective and efficient remedial measures.