VULNERABILITY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

A vulnerability is a weakness or error in software, hardware, a network, or a system. Vulnerabilities pose a threat to businesses because threat actors often leverage them to launch cyberattacks. Some of the most common types of vulnerabilities include phishing, zero days, remote code execution, unpatched software, insider threats, security misconfigurations, and weak or stolen user credentials.

Vulnerability management is the process of identifying, remediating, and monitoring vulnerabilities that impact your environment. Oftentimes, IT teams rely on vulnerability management software to automate parts of the process (such as vulnerability scanning) that would otherwise be unmanageable for small and midsized teams.

The vulnerability management process has six main steps: inventorying assets and then scanning, assessing, prioritizing, remediating, and monitoring vulnerabilities. To enhance your vulnerability management program, you might consider conducting cybersecurity tests, assessing organizational needs and risks, building a cross-functional team, standardizing processes and workflows, and automating vulnerability management tasks when possible.

Start with regular scans and prompt patching, especially for high-risk vulnerabilities. Prioritize fixes based on impact, automate updates where possible, and keep detailed records for compliance. Tools like PDQ Connect help streamline patch management, while automated software updates reduce manual effort. A proactive, well-documented strategy keeps your systems secure and your team one step ahead.

Vulnerability management enhances security and reduces risk — but the benefits extend far beyond patching. A strong vulnerability management strategy enhances security, reduces risk exposure, improves efficiency, and provides greater visibility into your environment. It also supports regulatory compliance, delivers strong ROI, and helps IT teams respond quickly without burning out. With features like automated deployments and patch scheduling, it’s easier to stay ahead of threats before they turn into problems.

Vulnerability management links together patching, asset inventory, and compliance. It starts with knowing which assets you have — because you can’t secure what you can’t see. A solid IT asset management solution helps you track devices and software, making it easier to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities. Patch management then closes those gaps, while detailed logging and remediation support compliance efforts. Together, they form a cohesive strategy that keeps your systems secure and auditors happy.

You should scan weekly for vulnerabilities or after any major system changes, such as installing new software or applying updates. The more dynamic your environment, the more frequent your scans should be. Avoid turning scanning into a quarterly fire drill — regular scans keep risk exposure low. For help staying proactive, check out our guide on how to prioritize vulnerabilities.

Choosing the right vulnerability management software starts with understanding your environment, goals, and available resources. Look for solutions that offer asset discovery, broad scan coverage, contextualized prioritization, and built-in remediation tools. Ease of use, scalability, reporting features, and vendor reputation also matter.

A solid platform should align with your patching and inventory workflows. Tools like PDQ Connect pair real-time visibility with automation, making it easier to prioritize and fix issues as part of your proactive cybersecurity strategy.

PDQ helps identify IT vulnerabilities by giving you real-time insights into what's installed across your fleet — and what's vulnerable. With tools like PDQ Connect's vulnerability scanner, you can quickly spot outdated or unpatched software and take action before it becomes a liability. It’s a faster, smarter way to stay ahead of potential exploits — without digging through every machine manually.

Yes, PDQ can show which devices are missing critical patches. PDQ Connect gives you clear visibility into which devices are missing critical patches — so you can act fast and stay ahead of vulnerabilities. With PDQ’s patch management software, you can automate scans, track patch status across your fleet, and prioritize updates based on severity. No guesswork. Just clarity.

Yes, PDQ uses CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) and industry-standard vulnerability scoring to help you flag and prioritize risks effectively. This makes it easier to understand which issues in your unique environment need immediate attention. For a closer look at how these insights are built into PDQ Connect, check out this article on PDQ Connect’s latest vulnerability management features.

Once vulnerabilities are detected, PDQ makes patching straightforward. With PDQ Connect, you can automate patch deployments across remote devices, ensuring updates are applied as soon as they're available. Even better, PDQ Connect automatically suggests prebuilt packages if they’ll resolve a detected vulnerability. All you have to do is click to deploy fixes. Real-time visibility helps you track which machines need attention, while customizable scheduling lets you patch without disrupting users. Patching vulnerabilities with PDQ is fast, flexible, and built to keep your systems secure with minimal manual effort.

Yes, PDQ Connect lets you automate software patching based on detected vulnerabilities — so you’re not stuck chasing updates manually. You can create schedules, set conditions, and ensure critical patches are applied as soon as they’re available. PDQ Connect’s automation features are designed to keep your systems secure with less hands-on work.