Technology

Network Vulnerability Scanning: Everything You Need to Know

Network Vulnerability Scanning: Everything You Need to Know

Businesses rely on their networks to store and transmit critical information. In order to protect this valuable data, it is important for businesses to perform network vulnerability scanning. This technique finds any vulnerabilities in the network that hackers might use. By identifying and fixing these vulnerabilities, businesses can reduce the risk of a security breach. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of vulnerability scanning and what you need to know about this essential process. We will also introduce some of the top tools for network vulnerability scanning.

What is Network Vulnerability Scanning?

Vulnerability scanning is the practice of locating any faults in a network that may be exploited by hackers. This particular procedure can be completed manually or with the assistance of automated instruments. Businesses should search for any potential vulnerabilities that might be exploited while performing a scan.

There are several different types of vulnerabilities that can exist in a network’s hardware and software components. Once these vulnerabilities have been identified, businesses can take steps to fix them and reduce the risk of a security breach.

Importance of Vulnerability Scanning Network

There are many reasons why businesses should perform vulnerability scanning on their networks.

  • This technique might be used to find any potential security vulnerabilities that may have already been exploited. By identifying these vulnerabilities early, businesses can take steps to fix them and prevent a security breach.
  • Vulnerability scanning can help businesses comply with industry regulations. In many industries, vulnerability scanning is required by law. Companies may use this technique to verify that they are in compliance with all of the regulatory standards.
  • Organizations may use vulnerability scanning to improve their overall security posture. By identifying and fixing vulnerabilities, businesses can make their networks more secure and less likely to be breached by hackers.

Network-Based Vulnerability Scan: How Does It Work?

An external company conducts a network-based vulnerability scan. This type of scan is designed to identify any potential weaknesses in a network that could be exploited by hackers.

To perform a scan, the company will first need to obtain permission from the business owner. Once permission has been granted, the company will begin scanning the network for any known vulnerabilities. When a cyber security breach is discovered, the organization will provide a report that includes details on each vulnerability. This data may be utilized to repair the problems and improve network security.

What Do Vulnerability Scanning Network Tools Do?

Vulnerability scanning tools are designed to identify any potential weaknesses in a network that could be exploited by hackers. These tools typically work by analyzing the network for any known vulnerabilities. When vulnerabilities are discovered, the program generates a report that includes details about each one. This information may be utilized to address the problems and enhance network security.

Vulnerability Scanning Network Top Tools

  • Astra’s Pentest

The Astra Pentest Platform is a comprehensive security platform with an automated vulnerability scanner, as well as manual pentest and vulnerability management tools. It allows you to automate every stage of the penetration testing process, from detection and severity assessment of flaws to collaborative repair.

Many organizations use Astra’s Pentest to get the job done. The integration with Atlassian tools, such as Jira and GitLab, is one of the most popular ones.

  • Acunetix

Acunetix is a web application penetration testing tool that can be used to check for SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and other exploitable flaws on your websites. Acunetix examines any website or web application that can be accessed through a browser using the HTTP/HTTPS protocol in general.

Acunetix can analyze both on-the-shelf and custom web applications as well as those that utilize JavaScript, AJAX, or Web 2.0 technologies. Acunetix’s crawler is effective in finding almost any file due to its excellent design.

  • Intruder

Intruder is a cloud-based security scanner that detects vulnerabilities in your online systems before the hackers do. It saves you time by performing proactive scans for new dangers as well as providing a distinct threat evaluation method that makes vulnerability management simple.

  • Burp Suite

Burp Suite is a suite of tools that are necessary for web application penetration testing. It was created by Portswigger, which is also the name of its creator Dafydd Stuttard. BurpSuite tries to be an all-in-one solution, with add-ons called BApps providing extra features.

  • Nessus

Nessus is a prominent vulnerability scanner with over two million downloads worldwide. Nessus also covers all of the above, scanning for over 59,000 CVEs. Nessus examines your machine for security flaws and generates an alert if it finds any. It accomplishes this by performing more than 1200 tests on a single machine, looking for ways to break in or otherwise damage it.

Network Vulnerability Scanning and Penetration Testing

Network vulnerability scanning and penetration testing are two different but related processes.

Vulnerability scanning is a method of assessing the security of a network and determining any potential vulnerabilities that might be exploited by hackers. Penetration testing is designed to test the security of a network by trying to exploit any vulnerabilities that have been identified.

By performing both vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, businesses can identify any potential weaknesses in their networks and take steps to fix them.

Network Vulnerability Scan Categories

There are four main categories of network vulnerability scans:

  • External Scans: These scans are conducted from outside the network, typically by an external company.
  • Internal Scans: These scans are conducted from inside the network, typically by an internal team.
  • Active Scans: These scans are conducted with the help of live data, such as traffic and packets.
  • Passive Scans: These scans are conducted without the help of live data.

Vulnerability Scanning Network: Key Elements

Most vulnerability scanning tools will include the following components:

  • User configuration tools: This component allows businesses to configure the tool to their specific needs and requirements.
  • Scanning engines: This component is responsible for actually scanning the network for any known vulnerabilities.
  • Data of current and previous scans: This component allows businesses to track their progress over time and ensure that they are fixing any potential vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

A network vulnerability scan is a must-do measure for maintaining the security of a network. By identifying any potential weaknesses in a network, businesses can take steps to fix them and improve their overall security. There are a variety of vulnerability scanning tools available on the market, so businesses should choose the tool that best meets their needs and requirements.

About the author

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Steven Ly

Steven Ly is the Startup Program and Events Manager at TheNextHint Inc. She recruits rockstar startups for all TC events including Disrupt, meetups, Sessions, and more both domestically and internationally. Previously, she helped produce Dreamforce with Salesforce and Next '17 with Google. Prior to that, she was on the advertising teams at both Facebook and AdRoll, helping support advertisers in North America and helped grow those brands globally. Outside of work, Priya enjoys Flywheel, tacos, the 49ers, and adventuring around the globe.

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