The Importance of Continuous Vulnerability Assessment and Management

The Importance of Continuous Vulnerability Assessment and Management

Cyber security breaches are not a passing trend and the potential threats caused by cyber criminals are real, and on the rise. Especially when taking into consideration the cyber security predictions of 2017.

Because there is so much at risk in the face of solving a security vulnerability, there are just as many reasons as to why continuous vulnerability assessment and management is important. Read on to learn the reasons why it's a must-have for any business.

According to welivesecurity, "When a new vulnerability is reported, it triggers a race against the clock between the various people involved." 

This creates quite a bit of stress and puts a heavy workload on the shoulders of the IT department. The fact is that when a vulnerability is uncovered it must be solved in a timely manner to decrease the opening for exposure. This usually means that IT resources are spent around the clock. 

Without previous assessment and management of vulnerabilities, you might go above your human resources budget creating another set of problems.  Unexpected and increased manpower expenditures are not the only concern when it comes to ways a cyber-attack can cost your company money either. 

Having a Continuous Vulnerability Assessment in Place can Save your Company's Reputation 

Besides the reasons of time, money, and resources, something else to think about is your company's reputation. Customers do not feel confident trusting a company that cannot keep itself safe from hackers, which can lead to taking their business elsewhere or not using your products or services in the first place.  When you market online you should also worry about the overall online reputation management (ORM)to protect your public image, and companies like Reputation Mart could help.

Keep in mind that most if not all security breaches are publicized. So preventing any issues your company may have pertaining to cyber security will either be spread by word of mouth or in the news. 

If you aren't aware of the problems your company has, putting it at risk, you can't fix them. Therefore, you're essentially making your business and your customers a target for cyber criminals who are just waiting for an opportunity to strike. 

Keeping up with Technology is Important in Order to Stay Ahead of Cybercriminals

Technology is ever-changing and evolving and companies need to do the same with their security measures if they want to keep up. This is why Tripwire reminds organizations that "security is an ongoing process" and "companies should, therefore, strive towards continuous vulnerability scans to pick up on those constant changes." 

By implementing a vulnerability assessment that is automated and completed on a continuous basis, (it cannot be just a one-time thing as threats will continue evolving) you'll be able to see where your company is at risk and prioritize what needs to be taken care of first. As your company grows, automation becomes more important as it helps to keep your IT team efficient and ahead of any potential network security threats.

As you can see, having a continuous vulnerability assessment and management process in place is imperative. Because it will keep your company and customers safe. It will not only prepare you for the future which in turn will save time, money, and valuable company resources, but it'll also help to protect the company's reputation.

Prevention and preparation for any potential online security breach are the best things to have in this day and age.