To prevent attacks on IT resources, you must understand how and where vulnerabilities can arise. The scope of IT resources includes computing, networking, communications, application systems, telecommunications, and related materials. In addition to physical facilities, these resources can include personnel, software, databases, and other types of data. Vulnerability management processes and systems enable you to manage your vulnerabilities, mitigate their impact, and manage compliance obligations.
A vulnerability management process and system must be integrated with a security threat automation (SOAR) solution. For example, Siemplify helps businesses develop playbooks to automate the vulnerability handling process. Through a streamlined workflow, Siemplify automates threat handling. It also helps businesses create a consistent process for patching vulnerabilities. The key is to develop a process and use it consistently, as opposed to ad hoc or haphazardly patching.
Once a vulnerability is discovered, the next step in the vulnerability management process is determining the best course of action. Some vulnerabilities pose no risk, while others are extremely important. This step requires management to identify which assets are mission-critical and which aren’t. The IT department must prioritize which vulnerabilities need to be addressed first. Sometimes a simple software patch requires manual testing. Depending on the severity of the risk, automated vulnerability scanning may not be enough.
Creating a vulnerability management process and system requires commitment from all stakeholders. It also involves establishing roles for individuals with the appropriate skills and knowledge. Separating these responsibilities is crucial, and different organizational structures may require a different level of separation. In general, though, assigning individuals to the roles of monitors and resolvers is beneficial. Monitors evaluate vulnerabilities, document findings, and notify the resolvers.
Resolvers, meanwhile, work on mitigation solutions, find patches, and fix issues.
Once vulnerabilities are identified, the vulnerability management process is a cyclical one. As new vulnerabilities are discovered, they are reported. This allows for faster response times and improves security. It also provides a baseline for future efforts, as it creates a history of known vulnerabilities that must be remedied. Most compliance standards, however, require ongoing vulnerability management. And, as you may have guessed, if vulnerabilities are not fixed, attackers are more likely to use it for malicious purposes.
A thorough inventory of your network’s assets can help you determine the level of risk and vulnerabilities. The discovery process typically involves a network or authenticated agent-based system scan. The discovered assets must be categorized into categories and assigned risk-based prioritization and assessment based on their criticality. The assessment provides an ongoing baseline of risk for the assets. By assessing the risks associated with each asset, you can determine the most effective remediation strategies.
A comprehensive vulnerability management process includes multiple security components such as risk management, asset management, configuration management, and change management. A thorough vulnerability management program addresses all potential vulnerabilities and their impacts to the business. An effective vulnerability management system incorporates the findings of vulnerability assessment and prioritizes remediation to mitigate the impact to the company. Vulnerability management builds on the knowledge gained through vulnerability assessment and provides a continuous cycle of discovery and remediation.