A vulnerability assessment is a method that recognises and classifies security bugs in a computer, network, or infrastructure. Hence, it can detect the maximum number of security defects in a given timeframe. It involves both manual and automated techniques. You can target different layers of technology, such as host, network, and application layers.
Hence, it can help identify flaws and vulnerabilities in software before a compromise takes place. Thus, you can ensure a systematic review of your software for security weaknesses.
Vulnerability assessment has three essential goals:
- evaluates if the system is susceptible to any vulnerabilities.
- assigns severity levels to those vulnerabilities.
- recommends remediation or mitigation depending on the vulnerability.
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Vulnerability Assessment and its Types
There are several types of vulnerability assessments:
Host assessment
It is the assessment of critical servers that can be vulnerable to attacks. Thus, it prevents those parts of your system, which may be a victim of attack if not tested adequately.
Network and wireless assessment
It prevents unauthorised access to public or private networks and network-accessible resources.
Database assessment
Database assessment assesses databases or big data systems for vulnerabilities and misconfiguration. Therefore, it classifies sensitive data across an organization’s infrastructure.
Application scans
It is to identify security vulnerabilities in web applications.
How it works
There are various forms of vulnerability testing. One form is dynamic application security testing and the other is static application testing. Both approach the system with different methodologies. Similarly, they are effective at different levels of the software development life cycle.
Dynamic Application Security Testing
DAST analyzes the security defects by providing inputs. So in this approach, an outside-in testing approach helps you detect security vulnerabilities.
Static Application Testing
SAST is for analysis of source code. Here, you can detect critical vulnerabilities such as cross-site scripting and SQL injection, which usually take place in the early stages of SDLC.
Security scanning process
The security scanning process involves four steps:
- testing
- analysis
- assessment
- remediation
1. Vulnerability testing
Firstly, as a goal of this step, you need to evaluate application vulnerabilities with the help of automated tools.
2. Vulnerability analysis
Secondly, the root cause of vulnerabilities is found. Further, it involves the identification of system components that are responsible for causing the vulnerabilities.
3. Risk assessment
Thirdly, priorities are set for each vulnerability. Thus, security analyst ranks the vulnerabilities based on various factors.
4. Remediation
Finally, in these steps, the security gaps are closed. It requires security staff, operation teams, and development teams who determine the best path of remediation.
In short, it is best if you practice these tests regularly to keep your system safe. Contact Aardwolf Security for our Vulnerability Assessment services.
