Select a vulnerability scan solution and think twice

Author: Legend: BKJIA
As various network threats become increasingly rampant, the tasks of network administrators are getting heavier and heavier. For example, hackers use vulnerability scans to search for vulnerable networks. However, before hackers launch attacks, network administrators can also use the same technology to discover these vulnerabilities.

There are multiple types of vulnerability scan solutions. To find out the technology that best matches your network configuration, scale, and connected devices, you must answer some important questions:

What type of adaptation scope does it provide? You need to check carefully, because if a product does not support the operating systems, platforms, and devices on your network, it may not be able to identify some vulnerabilities.

Is it an active product or a passive product? Active products can access your network to Detect Network Vulnerabilities, while passive solutions are closer to intrusion detectors. They can focus on finding signs of previous network intrusion leaks. Both methods are useful, especially when used together.

Can this scheme provide a graphical user interface (GUI? Some products, especially some older and low-cost solutions, have a text interface and are difficult to operate.

When is the last update of this product and how will it handle future updates? Hackers can always find new Network Vulnerabilities. Therefore, a solution that has not been updated recently cannot provide more comprehensive protection.

What report options does it provide? Reporting is an important vulnerability scanning feature. If the report is unclear, incomplete, or messy, critical network vulnerabilities may be ignored.

Can this vulnerability scan solution find and fix vulnerabilities? If a product vulnerability does not provide a correction function, you will have to do this by yourself or hire someone else to do it.

How old is your network operating system? Are some embedded devices installed? If the answer is yes, the vulnerability scan tool must be able to work under these restrictions, but the effect of scanning and correction will be greatly reduced, it may even damage the effectiveness of this solution.

What management capabilities does it provide? A vulnerability scan solution that is difficult to deploy and maintain may not work properly and cannot reach its goal to a large extent.

What is the identity authentication feature? Authentication is an essential feature. If a hacker gains access to the network vulnerability scanning tool, you don't even need to consider what will happen!

Is it better to adopt a single product or a variety of solutions? It is difficult to find a vulnerability scan solution that can cover all elements. Therefore, you may need to try two or more technologies, especially when your network is large or complex.

What is the performance of this product? In other words, how fast is it running? For large and complex networks, this is a key factor to consider.

Can it be upgraded? As your network grows, you may need vulnerability scanning tools to keep up with the pace, instead of gradually falling behind.

How much does this product cost? Vulnerability scanning tools are free of charge and priced at up to RMB. Remember: a product that cannot identify critical vulnerabilities is always expensive, and a solution that provides comprehensive and demanding scanning coverage is always cheap.