In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more important than ever before. Businesses increasingly reliant on technology are also more vulnerable to cybercrime. In fact, cybercrime is one of the most rapidly growing areas of crime, with cybercriminals constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities. This is why businesses need to have proper security measures in place. By taking steps to secure their systems and data, businesses can protect themselves from cyberattacks and the costly consequences that come with them. In addition to financial losses, a data breach can also lead to a loss of customer trust and confidence. As such, businesses need to prioritize cybersecurity to protect their bottom line and their reputation.

Top Security Scans

There are many different types of security scans available, but not all of them are right for every business. For example, a web application scan can help to identify vulnerabilities in your website or web-based applications, while a network security scan can help to identify potential threats to your network infrastructure. Choosing the right type of scan for your business depends on your specific needs and risks. But whatever type of scan you choose, make sure that it’s from a reputable source and that it’s up-to-date with the latest security threats.

Here are four of the most common security scans your business should be using:

Penetration Testing

A penetration test, also known as a pen test, is an authorized simulated attack on a computer system to evaluate the system’s security. The goal of a penetration test is to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. Penetration testing can be conducted internally by employees or externally by third-party vendors. Internal tests are often used to assess the effectiveness of security controls, while external tests simulate the actions of real-world attackers. In both cases, penetration testers seek to exploit vulnerabilities to gain access to sensitive data or systems. While penetration testing can be a valuable tool for improving security, it is important to ensure that tests are conducted in a safe and controlled manner. Otherwise, the testing process itself could create new vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.

Internal Vulnerability Scans

An internal vulnerability scan is a type of security assessment that is conducted within an organization’s network. This type of scan is typically used to identify vulnerabilities in systems and applications that are accessible from the inside of the network. Internal scans can be performed manually or with automated tools. Automated tools are often used to conduct large-scale scans of many systems and are typically more accurate than manual methods. However, manual methods can be more effective at identifying certain types of vulnerabilities, such as those that require user interaction. Internal vulnerability scans are an important part of a comprehensive security program and can help organizations identify and fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by attackers.

External Vulnerability Scans

As the name suggests, an external vulnerability scan is a security assessment that is conducted from outside an organization’s network. This type of scan can be used to identify weaknesses in systems and applications that are accessible from the internet. External vulnerability scans can be conducted manually or using automated tools. When conducting an external vulnerability scan, testers will typically use a combination of open source intelligence (OSINT) techniques and active scanning to identify vulnerabilities. External vulnerability scans can be invaluable for organizations as they provide a way to identify weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers. However, it is important to note that external scans only provide a limited view of an organization’s overall security posture. They should be used in conjunction with other security assessments, such as internal vulnerability scans and penetration tests.

Threat Intelligence-Led Testing

A threat intelligence-led security assessment is a type of assessment that uses threat intelligence to prioritize and focus testing efforts. In other words, instead of just looking for vulnerabilities, a security tester will use threat intelligence to understand which vulnerabilities are most likely to be exploited by attackers. This approach can be particularly useful in organizations with limited resources, as it allows them to focus their efforts on the most critical threats. Additionally, threat intelligence-led testing can help organizations to quickly identify and fix new vulnerabilities as they arise. As the world of cybersecurity evolves, threat intelligence-led testing is likely to become an increasingly important tool for organizations of all sizes.

Conclusion

Penetration testing, internal vulnerability scans, external vulnerability scans, and threat intelligence-led testing are all important tools for improving security. However, it is important to ensure that these tests are conducted in a safe and controlled manner. Otherwise, the testing process itself could create new vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. When used properly, these types of security assessments can help organizations to identify and fix weaknesses before they can be exploited.

Cyber Sainik offers a wide range of cybersecurity services, including penetration testing, internal vulnerability scans, external vulnerability scans, and threat intelligence-led testing. Our team of experienced security experts can help you to identify and fix weaknesses in your systems and applications. Contact us today to schedule a call with one of our cybersecurity experts.