Keeping your network safe from cyber threats is like locking the doors to your house. A vulnerability scan network helps you find weak spots in your system before hackers do. Think of it as a digital security check-up that keeps your data and devices protected. But did you know there are different types of vulnerability scans? Each one is designed to tackle specific risks, and knowing which type to use can make all the difference. Let’s explore why understanding these scans is key to keeping your network strong and secure.
9 Types of Vulnerability Scan Networks
- Network-based Scans
- Host-based Scans
- Wireless Scans
- Application Scans
- Database Scans
- Credentialed Scans
- Non-Credentialed Scans
- External Scans
- Internal Scans
1-Network-based Scans
Network-based scans focus on identifying vulnerabilities in network devices like routers, switches, firewalls, and servers. They ensure the external and internal network is free from potential security loopholes.
How It Works
These scans send packets across the network to detect open ports, misconfigured settings, or outdated software on connected devices. They simulate potential attacks to find weaknesses.
Key Benefits:
They provide a broad view of network security, help detect unauthorised devices, and ensure compliance with security standards.
When to Use:
Use network-based scans when setting up new network devices, after making configuration changes, or to regularly monitor for external threats.
2-Host-based Scans
Host-based scans focus on identifying vulnerabilities within individual devices, such as computers, servers, or workstations. They look for issues like outdated software, weak passwords, or unpatched systems.
How It Works
These scans analyse the configuration and security of a specific host or endpoint. They check the file systems, installed applications, and user privileges to detect potential risks.
Key Benefits
Host-based scans provide detailed insights into the security status of individual devices, helping to fix internal vulnerabilities before they spread across the network.
When to Use
Use host-based scans when onboarding new devices, after software updates, or to ensure critical systems are properly secured.
3-Wireless Scans
Wireless scans are used to identify vulnerabilities in wireless networks, including Wi-Fi access points and connected devices. They ensure that wireless communication is secure and free from potential threats.
How It Works
These scans examine wireless protocols, encryption methods, and connected devices to detect weak passwords, unauthorised access points, and misconfigurations. They also monitor for rogue devices that may be trying to access the network.
Key Benefits
Wireless scans help secure Wi-Fi networks, protect sensitive data from interception, and ensure compliance with wireless security standards.
When to Use
Use wireless scans when setting up or managing Wi-Fi networks, after network configuration changes, or to monitor for unauthorised access.
4-Application Scans
Application scans focus on identifying vulnerabilities within software applications. These scans are designed to detect security issues like coding errors, weak authentication, or exploitable flaws in web and mobile apps.
How It Works
These scans analyze the application’s code, input fields, APIs, and configuration settings. They simulate attacks like SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS) to uncover potential security weaknesses.
Key Benefits
Application scans help ensure that apps are secure, protect sensitive user data, and prevent breaches caused by application-level vulnerabilities.
When to Use
Use application scans during the development phase, before launching an app, or regularly as part of maintenance to ensure ongoing security.
5-Database Scans
Database scans focus on identifying vulnerabilities in databases, such as SQL servers, Oracle, or MongoDB. They ensure the data storage systems are secure and protected from breaches.
How It Works
These scans analyze database configurations, user permissions, and stored procedures. They look for weak passwords, unencrypted data, or misconfigurations that could expose sensitive information.
Key Benefits
Database scans help safeguard critical data, prevent unauthorised access, and reduce the risk of data breaches or leaks.
When to Use
Use database scans during database setup, after major updates, or regularly as part of your organisation’s data security practices.
6-Credentialed Scans
Credentialed scans are vulnerability scans performed with valid login credentials for a system. They provide in-depth insights into security issues that might not be visible to external scans.
How It Works
These scans use authorised access to inspect the system’s internal settings, installed software, user privileges, and security configurations. They simulate what a trusted user might see to identify potential vulnerabilities.
Key Benefits
Credentialed scans uncover deeper security issues, ensure compliance with internal policies, and provide a comprehensive analysis of the system’s security.
When to Use
Use credentialed scans for internal audits, when checking system integrity, or to verify that privileged accounts are securely configured.
7-Non-Credentialed Scans
Non-credentialed scans are vulnerability scans performed without any login credentials. These scans simulate the perspective of an external attacker trying to access the system.
How It Works
These scans analyze the system’s exposed areas, such as open ports, accessible services, and publicly visible configurations. They focus on identifying vulnerabilities that can be exploited from outside the network.
Key Benefits
Non-credentialed scans are quick to set up, identify external threats, and help organisations understand how their systems appear to potential attackers.
When to Use
Use non-credentialed scans when assessing the external security posture of your system or testing the effectiveness of your network’s perimeter defenses.
8-External Scans
External scans focus on vulnerabilities visible from outside the organisation’s network. They simulate an attacker’s perspective to identify potential entry points.
How It Works
These scans analyse external-facing assets, such as websites, firewalls, and public IP addresses. They check for weaknesses like unpatched software, misconfigurations, or exposed ports.
Key Benefits
External scans help protect publicly accessible systems, prevent unauthorised access, and reduce the risk of external attacks.
When to Use
Use external scans regularly to ensure your organisation’s internet-facing assets are secure or after making changes to public-facing systems.
9-Internal Scans
Internal scans focus on identifying vulnerabilities within an organisation’s internal network. They simulate potential threats from inside the network, such as an insider threat or a breached device.
How It Works
These scans analyse internal systems, servers, and devices connected to the network. They look for weaknesses like outdated software, misconfigurations, or improper user permissions that could be exploited internally.
Key Benefits
Internal scans provide detailed insights into the security of internal systems, help detect vulnerabilities that could spread within the network, and ensure compliance with internal security policies.
When to Use
Use internal scans regularly to monitor internal security, after adding new devices to the network, or to test the resilience of your internal defenses against potential insider threats.
Conclusion
Securing your network starts with understanding its vulnerabilities, and a vulnerability scan network is your first line of defense. Each type of scan plays a unique role in protecting your systems, whether it’s identifying external threats, safeguarding internal devices, or ensuring your applications and databases are secure. By exploring these types further, you’ll gain a clearer picture of what your network truly needs. So, take the time to assess your security goals, pick the scan that aligns best with your requirements, and stay one step ahead of potential threats. Your network’s safety is worth it.
