How do we define vulnerability assessment:-

A vulnerability assessment, also known as vulnerability testing, is a methodical procedure used to find, analyse, and document security flaws within the digital environment of an organisation. These flaws, sometimes referred to as vulnerabilities, may be present in hardware, software, setups, or procedures. They could leave systems open to data breaches and other cyberthreats including illegal access.

The basis of vulnerability management, a branch of IT risk management that helps businesses to continuously identify, rank, and fix security flaws in their IT infrastructure, is vulnerability assessments.

Why vulnerability assessment is important?

Organisations must contend with a growing network infrastructure of endpoints, web apps, wireless networks, and cloud-based services as IT systems become more complicated. Hackers and fraudsters have greater chances to find entry points thanks to this expanding attack surface.

Security teams can prevent data breaches, the exposure of personally identifiable information (PII), and a decline in customer trust by identifying and managing these possible vulnerabilities with the use of routine vulnerability assessments.

It can also help in:-

1. Aligning the application, website or software with compliance standards.
2. For managing the cyber threats proactively.
3. For faster mitigation and remediation of the faults.
4. Helps to strengthen the client’s trust.

Stages of Vulnerability assessment:-

In a more comprehensive vulnerability management plan, vulnerability assessments are usually the initial step. Vulnerability assessments create the groundwork for a more robust security posture by locating outdated systems, misconfigured systems, and vulnerable access points.

A typical vulnerability management lifecycle includes the following stages: 

1. Discovery and vulnerability assessment
2. Vulnerability analysis and prioritization
3. Vulnerability resolution
4. Verification and monitoring
5. Reporting and improvement

Types of vulnerability assessment

1. Network-based:- Evaluates network security by looking for security flaws in both external and internal network architecture. Open ports, unprotected protocols, and exposed endpoints are examples of common vulnerabilities.
2. Host-Based:- Focusses on certain systems, including operating systems and workstations. This technique can identify misconfigurations that could get past perimeter defences, unauthorised applications, and software vulnerabilities.
3. Application-scan:- Checks online applications for flaws that could be exploited by threats like SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS), such as malfunctioning authentication systems or incorrect input handling. Applications that handle sensitive data are protected by these scans.
4. Wireless network assessment:- Identifies wireless network hazards such as unauthorised access points, inadequate network segmentation, and weak encryption settings.
5. Database assessment:- Checks databases for security flaws that can reveal private information. Default credentials, inadequate access controls, out-of-date database engines, and excessive user rights are typical problems.