Why use a vulnerability scan?

Using a vulnerability scan of IT equipment in a company is essential to protect the company’s IS applications and infrastructures.
These scans detect the most common vulnerabilities. In this article, we’ll explain thebenefits of vulnerability scanning , and whyit ‘s important toimplement this solution in your company on a regular or ad hoc basis (in the form of an audit).

What is a vulnerability scanner?

Every organization can benefit from the simple but essential security practice of using a vulnerability scanner.
Such software can map the information system, identify assets such as computers, network equipment, servers, applications and websites, and detect vulnerabilities for targeted remediation.

  Vulnerability scanners are based on knowledge bases that list security vulnerabilities and are maintained by public agencies such asANSSI, the National Vulnerability Database and others.
It is essential to update this encyclopedia on a daily basis, bearing in mind that a security flaw can be exploited relatively quickly.

The different types of vulnerability scans

There are different types of scans to detect security vulnerabilities: Application vulnerability scanning

Vulnerability scans are useful for detecting vulnerabilities in web applications, as well as the development and configuration errors that cause them.
The scan can be used to identify the most common vulnerabilities, generally based on the top 10 OWASP vulnerabilities (injection, faulty authentication and session management, cross-site scripting, etc.).

System and network vulnerability scanning

System and network scans reveal infrastructure-related vulnerabilities, such as outdated services, misconfiguration, lack of security patches, use of default passwords and services not compliant with standards such as PCI-DSS.

Finally, a vulnerability scanner provides relevant reports to indicate the changes and resolutions needed to secure the IT system.

Why vulnerability scans?

Obsolete services, misconfiguration, failure to review security patches, default passwords and similar factors have repeatedly been shown to be sources of vulnerability for applications and infrastructures.
To reduce these risks, regular platform audits are essential.
This audit can be carried out in depth by manual penetration tests, but also by vulnerability scans (such as application vulnerability scans and system and network scans).

For enhanced protection