There are hundreds of ways to protect and prevent attacks on your company. Vulnerability scans are, in fact, one of the most efficient resources. However, are they all equally effective or convenient to your company? One of the main factors when it comes to evading attacks is to know that we use the right tools. Without realizing it, we open the doors to attacks by applying weak defense systems.
Sometimes, we are the ones who leave open doors to the attackers to violate our security.
A study by Tenable evaluated Cyber Defense Strategies of 2100 organizations. And it revealed interesting data. We can see an intrinsic truth reflected in security issues. What works for some does not work for everyone. This is a very common mistake in many companies; it’s due to so many styles of vulnerability prevention or scanning. Which are the most common strategies for detecting vulnerabilities? Let’s see.
Assessment strategies
The report revealed four trends in vulnerability scanning: Minimalist, Explorative, Researcher and Careful. The difference between each one yields clear results about the perception of the security of each company. Let’s analyze each one of them to know how it works.
Minimalist Scan – 33% usage
This style is the one that executes, as the name implies, the least of evaluations. We’re talking about companies that hardly strive to reach the most meager level of protection required by regulations. Besides, these assessments are usually limited to specific assets of each company. There is no true scale or system to follow, and they only “prevent” attacks in specific areas. As a consequence, this exposes the rest of the company to any kind of cyberattack or malware.
This is counterproductive because the evaluation of certain assets becomes obsolete. In a few words, it leaves the rest of the software in danger. The biggest risk for these companies is that they don’t ensure where to direct efforts to protect their assets; and in case of violations, they have no clear way of detecting where the intrusion occurred.
Explorative Scanner – 19% usage
Companies that belong to this category work more than Minimalists. By broadening the scope of their evaluations, they can cover, so to speak, more ground. Yet, this does not equal full protection; they work with a low level of authentication of errors and vulnerabilities. In addition, their level of customization and scan templates is minimal. They continue to focus their attention on important assets of the company.
Yet, they don’t offer a true level of protection that can face the total risks to its software.
Research Scan – 43% usage
We are already finding companies that show maturity in terms of the security of their assets. Companies that use the Research style run constant security assessments. Although it still focuses on certain assets, they leave small room for errors. We’re talking about the application of solid strategies, with a good pace of scans. Implementing More sophisticated templates and extensive authentication of assets and prioritization.
These companies understand the challenges behind vulnerability management. They apply IT operations with disparate business units. They keep their staff at a competent level and test the complexity of tasks. This provides a solid foundation to strengthen the security of their company.
Careful Scanning – 5% usage
The highest-ranking on this scale requires careful scanning. We talk about companies that devote a high level of focus on the protection of their assets. The visibility of vulnerabilities is continuous. This lets them know when an asset is protected or exposed, to what extent, and why. This allows them to act in the face of any contingency that comes their way.
Although only 5% of companies belong to this category, they are more at the forefront of IT security. This means their asset coverage is complete, with personalized assessments and scans as cases need.
What do these data reveal?
First: If you consider that your company belongs to the Minimalist or Explorer level, do not worry. Although these companies are at greater risk, they are not completely vulnerable. Besides, if you know what you need to improve in your company, you have already taken the first step. Reaching a high level of protection in today’s IT environment is pivotal for any business.
The ultimate goal of this self-assessment, regardless of where you are in, is to keep evolving. Even companies with a careful scan level started with security that barely reached the minimum. Besides, now we deal with attacks and vulnerabilities that update every day, and thus, we must remain at the forefront.
The answer offered by Tenable
Tenable is the most modern Cyber Exposure company on the market. More than 24,000 organizations around the world rely on Tenable. They evaluate, analyze and reduce cyber risk. Tenable.io is the world’s first platform for visibility and protection of digital assets. More than 50% of Tenable’s customers are on the Fortune 500 list; More than 25% in Global 2000 and government agencies use them.
If you want to receive more information about this tool, do not hesitate to contact us. At GB Advisors we offer the best in the market; we offer you a team of professionals willing to advise you. Accompany us in your way to a more efficient IT environment.
