For a more secure information technology (IT) infrastructure, you should consider using a vulnerability. It will protect your business’s networks, computers and devices from a variety of cyber threats. As the name suggests, vulnerability scanners are designed to scan IT infrastructures for vulnerabilities. Here are five common myths about vulnerability scanners and how they work.
#1) Requires Local Installation
You don’t have to install a vulnerability scanner locally. While some vulnerability scanners do, in fact require local installation, most of them do not. Instead, vulnerability scanners are offered as a Software as a Service (SaaS). You can subscribe to a vulnerability scanner service, and you can use it to remotely scan your business’s IT infrastructure for vulnerabilities. Like with other SaaS products, you won’t have to download any software. Vulnerability scanners offered as a SaaS are accessible remotely over the internet.
#2) Same as Antivirus Software
While they are both used for cybersecurity purposes, vulnerability scanners aren’t the same as antivirus software. Antivirus software is designed to identify and neutralize malware. They primarily target computer viruses, but most antivirus software products can neutralize worms, ransomware, trojans and other forms of malware. Vulnerability scanners, on the other hand, are designed to identify vulnerabilities in the form of IT infrastructure weaknesses.
#3) All Scans Are the Same
There are two types of scans that vulnerability scanners can perform: authenticated and unauthenticated. Authenticated scans involve the use of administrative networking protocols like Secure Shell (SSH), whereas unauthenticated scans use non-administrative networking protocols. Because they can access more data — data that’s only available to administrators — authenticated scans are more effective at identifying vulnerabilities.
#4) Only Scans Computers and Devices
Another common myth is that vulnerability scanners can only scan computers and other devices. Most vulnerability scanners can scan host machines for vulnerabilities, but there are network vulnerability scanners as well. Network vulnerability scanners are designed to scan networks for vulnerabilities. Open ports, for instance, may pose a threat to network security. If a network has a bunch of open ports, a hacker may exploit them to gain access to the network. Network vulnerability scanners can find open porta and other vulnerabilities on a network.
#5) Ineffective
Vulnerability scanners are absolutely effective. They’ve been around for many years, and they’ve helped countless businesses achieve a more secure IT infrastructure. You shouldn’t rely solely on a vulnerability scanner to protect against cyber threats. Nonetheless, you should make it part of your business’s cybersecurity strategy. Along with a firewall, antivirus software and other safeguards, you can create a secure IT infrastructure that’s protected against cyber threats.