VULNERABILITY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

Vulnerability management is an ongoing security process focused on proactively identifying vulnerabilities or security weaknesses, prioritizing the most pressing issues, and patching vulnerabilities. Think of vulnerability management as the equivalent of looking for leaks in your pipes and fixing them before your house is underwater.

Risk-based vulnerability management is a more refined approach, assessing the likelihood that a potential threat actor will exploit an identified vulnerability and the potential magnitude of any damage. PDQ Connect supports a risk-based approach to help you allocate resources effectively.

Security is at the core of vulnerability management. But effective vulnerability management with PDQ Connect offers several potential advantages (and yes, security tops that list):

• Enhanced security

• Reduced risk exposure

• Improved efficiency

• Greater visibility

• Strong ROI

• Regulatory compliance support

The cybersecurity vulnerability management lifecycle consists of several key steps:  

• Develop a vulnerability management policy

• Complete an asset discovery

• Compile an asset inventory

• Monitor cyber threat intelligence

• Perform vulnerability scans and a vulnerability assessment

• Assess risk

• Prioritize security vulnerabilities

• Address relevant vulnerabilities

A sophisticated vulnerability management tool, such as PDQ Connect, simplifies these processes to support efficient and effective vulnerability management.

Vulnerability management works alongside several related cybersecurity functions:  

• Information security

• Application security

• Cloud security

• Threat detection and response

• Vulnerability intelligence

• Threat intelligence

• Cyber risk management

• Patch management

• Security awareness training

• Attack surface management

• Configuration management

• Compliance management 

Combining these components with an effective vulnerability management solution, such as PDQ Detect, can enhance your cybersecurity posture.

The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) is a standardized system for assigning numerical values to common vulnerabilities. These scores take into account security vulnerability data, including exploitability and impact.

The National Vulnerability Database (NVD) provides vulnerability information and CVSS scores, which empower security tools and IT teams to more accurately assess and communicate the severity of a known vulnerability.

PDQ Connect includes CVSS scores within software vulnerability details for easy analysis.

Vulnerability management encapsulates a broad range of functions, so there are a lot of best practices to keep in mind. Here are a few fan favorites:

• Inventory and classify assets

• Designate a security team

• Establish a vulnerability management program and strategy

• Conduct a vulnerability scan at least quarterly (or better yet, weekly)

• Complete penetration testing

• Prioritize vulnerabilities

• Remediate relevant vulnerabilities

• Automate whenever possible

• Integrate vulnerability management with other security efforts

• Invest in security awareness training

• Strive for continuous improvement

• Use the right tools, like PDQ Connect

Selecting the right vulnerability management software requires understanding your organizational needs and resources. Solution-specific factors to consider when assessing vulnerability management tools include the following:

• Asset discovery capabilities

• Scan coverage

• Reporting

• Contextualized prioritization

• Vulnerability remediation options

• Ease of use

• Scalability

• Pricing

• Vendor reputation

Vulnerability management platforms vary in capabilities, quality, and convenience, so we suggest signing up for a trial before committing.