Achieving and keeping up with rules like SOC 2, HIPAA, and ISO 27001 involves setting up a way to find and check security problems in your organization. Penetration testing can thoroughly check for vulnerabilities and threats in your company, but it might not always be needed or affordable. That’s where vulnerability scanning comes in handy. It can serve as a basic check of your IT system or as the first step before a pen test.

 

In this article, we’ll discuss the types of scans you can do, what they help find, how often they’re recommended, and what you should show your auditor to prove your vulnerability management process.

 

What is vulnerability scanning? 

 

Vulnerability scanning is a cornerstone in numerous security frameworks, such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, and NIST 800-53, and it is also essential for compliance with privacy-centric regulations, such as GDPR.

 

These scans are pivotal due to the invaluable insights they offer. Their primary objective is to identify potential vulnerabilities within systems, encompassing issues such as known software exploits, outdated operating systems, and application misconfigurations.

 

The diversity of vulnerability scans influences the breadth and specificity of vulnerabilities detected, making them a crucial component of comprehensive security and compliance strategies.

 

 

Types of vulnerability scannings

 

Vulnerability scans can be classified in several ways to understand their scope and purpose better. One classification method is based on where the scanner is positioned relative to the network:

 

Internal and external scans:

 

Internal scans assess vulnerabilities within your network infrastructure, typically initiated from a trusted internal position. They provide insights into potential weaknesses that may be exploited by insiders or malware already within the network.

 

External scans evaluate vulnerabilities from an outsider’s perspective, simulating attacks from the internet or other external sources. These scans help organizations understand their exposure to threats outside the network perimeter.

 

Another classification method considers the level of access and information available to the vulnerability scanner:

 

Authenticated and unauthenticated scans:

 

Authenticated scans are conducted with privileged access credentials, allowing the scanner to probe deeper into systems and applications. This type of scan provides a comprehensive view of vulnerabilities that may not be visible to unauthenticated scans.

 

On the other hand, unauthenticated scans operate without specific credentials and mimic potential attacks from external threats. They provide a broader assessment of vulnerabilities visible outside the network but may not uncover issues requiring authenticated access.

 

In addition to these fundamental types, specialized vulnerability scans are increasingly important in modern IT environments:

 

Container vulnerability scans:

 

Container vulnerability scans identify vulnerabilities specifically within containerized environments, such as Docker or Kubernetes. These scans require specialized tools and databases that understand containers’ unique architecture and dependencies.

 

Code security scans:

 

Code security scans target vulnerabilities within application code and scripts. These scans analyze the source code or binaries to identify potential security weaknesses, such as insecure coding practices or outdated libraries. They rely on dedicated vulnerability databases that track known issues in programming languages and frameworks.

 

Each type of vulnerability scan serves a specific purpose in assessing and managing security risks within an organization’s IT infrastructure. By understanding these categories, businesses can implement targeted vulnerability management strategies to enhance their overall cybersecurity posture and effectively comply with regulatory requirements.

 

Which type of vulnerability scanning should I run?

 

The choice of vulnerability scans depends on the specific framework or regulation your organization needs to comply with, such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, or GDPR. These standards typically do not prescribe a specific type of scan, giving organizations the flexibility to determine their approach.

 

 

To ensure comprehensive coverage, we recommend rotating between different types of scans. For instance, if you conduct vulnerability assessments quarterly, you could start with an authenticated internal scan one quarter and an unauthenticated external scan the next. This rotation strategy ensures you gather diverse insights without overwhelming your security team.

 

In environments heavily reliant on containers, prioritizing container vulnerability scans may be more relevant than traditional internal or external scans. Tailoring your scanning approach to the specific characteristics of your IT environment enhances the effectiveness of your vulnerability management strategy.

 

How often should I conduct vulnerability scans?

 

The frequency of vulnerability scans should align with the specific standards your organization aims to meet, such as SOC 2, ISO, HIPAA, and GDPR. Each provides flexibility rather than prescribing a fixed schedule.

 

HIPAA and GDPR, for instance, do not mandate vulnerability scans, but conducting them can enhance overall security and help meet compliance requirements.

 

In contrast, ISO 27001 and SOC 2 necessitate vulnerability scanning as part of their security protocols but do not specify how often scans should occur. Therefore, it’s prudent to establish a scanning schedule that suits your organization’s operational capabilities.

 

A default recommendation is to conduct vulnerability scans quarterly. However, adjusting the frequency based on your organization’s size, rate of infrastructure changes, and application updates is advisable. Smaller organizations with less dynamic environments might find bi-annual scans sufficient, while larger enterprises or those with frequent changes may benefit from monthly scans.

 

Ultimately, tailoring the frequency of vulnerability scans to your organization’s specific needs ensures effective security management and compliance with relevant standards.

 

What do I need to show the auditor?

 

Here are the key points to demonstrate your organization’s vulnerability management process effectively:

 

1. Vulnerability scan report: Providing the actual vulnerability scan report is crucial. This document details the vulnerabilities discovered within your systems and applications.
2. Remediation documentation: Alongside the scan report, documentation showing how identified vulnerabilities were addressed is essential. This includes records of remediation actions taken or decisions made to accept certain risks without remediation.

 

These two pieces of evidence illustrate your organization’s proactive approach to managing vulnerabilities. A flawless scan report is not mandatory; what matters is demonstrating active identification and remediation efforts to mitigate risks effectively.

 

Given the continuous evolution of vulnerabilities, it’s understood that new issues may arise despite ongoing efforts. Conducting regular vulnerability scans and promptly addressing findings showcases your commitment to preemptively addressing potential security threats.

 

 

If you’re interested in automating your organization’s GRC program with CyberArrow to ensure comprehensive compliance with automated monitoring, automated vulnerability assessment management and control management, consider scheduling a consultation with CyberArrow’s team to explore CyberArrow GRC more and get started.

 

CyberArrow simplifies the implementation of cybersecurity standards by automating up to 90% of the workload. With CyberArrow, you can enhance and validate your security posture in real-time.

 

FAQs – Vulnerability scanning