A system of vulnerability can be characterized as a defect that can expose a device to potential security threats. A single vulnerability in your system can lead to all your data being exploited, which can cause serious consequences from identity theft to fraud and financial losses. Hackers use spyware, viruses, and bots as tools to infiltrate systems of networks. However, these tools can sit inside a network for a while without being noticed. The longer the malware is present in your network, the longer your data is going to be exposed to threats. Below are the three steps you need to focus on to spot these vulnerabilities in your system.
#1 Understand the Common Attacks
The most common cybersecurity attacks evolve from simple exploitation tools such as malware, bots, Trojans, and viruses. It is important to understand the common security threats to be able to properly defend your system. After all, it would be difficult to lead a battle if you don’t know whom you’re fighting against. Therefore, the more you learn about security threats right now, the better you will be able to protect your data and devices against them in the future. Make sure to invest some time on a daily or weekly basis to keep yourself informed.
#2 Keep Track of Potential Vulnerabilities
It is important to keep track of all security-related activities within your network. Businesses should put together a cybersecurity team and engage them to create a list and keep track of all identified vulnerabilities or unknown changes in the network. By keeping track of everything that is going on within the network, it will be easier to determine where potential threats and issues come from. The next step will help you spot potential vulnerabilities before they turn into serious security threats.
#3 Use Vulnerability Scanning Tools
The most important step in this process is finding and identifying the vulnerabilities within your system. Any unknown action or movement in the network should be considered a potential vulnerability since you don’t know where it came from or why. To spot these changes, use a vulnerability scanning tool such as Nmap that will help you check the current security state of your network, as well as check for updates and common configuration errors. Make sure to use an antivirus and a firewall tool so you can regularly scan your devices for potential security threats.
Conclusion
The best way to stay on top of your network and keep track of potential threats is to follow the safety measures and procedures listed in the NIST framework. This cybersecurity framework provides clear guidance in terms of preventing, detecting, and responding to security threats. Their prevention and detection security functions will help you build a clear and concise plan for conquering potential security issues and keeping your network safe from hackers and third parties. Besides following the NIST framework, consider investing in Virtual Private Network security to keep your data and devices protected on the internet.