How To Identify Your Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities
All businesses should learn about cybersecurity vulnerabilities to keep their information and finances out of the hands of cybercriminals. Learning about the various types of vulnerabilities can help you identify and stop them before they happen.
At Renascence IT Consulting, we are the Bay Area’s cybersecurity experts and can help your company stay safe against security vulnerabilities. Read more about how you can identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities, then contact our California team for a consultation appointment.
What Are Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities?
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities are any sort of weaknesses and flaws in your IT infrastructure, such as information systems or software. Cybersecurity vulnerability can lead to sensitive data breaches, the loss of important information, and decreased business credibility.
The cybersecurity world contains many complex systems, but users can reap the benefits of its flaws. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities can stem from both inside and outside an organization and are sometimes unintentional.
An employee may accidentally exploit their company by clicking a seemingly safe link, or a hacker can use weaknesses in a system to steal information.
Types Of Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities
You can experience multiple types of security vulnerabilities that call for tighter cybersecurity methods and precautions. After identifying vulnerabilities, you can determine what steps to take to fight back and put a stop to the attacks. Here are some common types.
Zero-day vulnerabilities
Zero-day attacks are a type of exploitable vulnerability because your company does not know anything is wrong with your software. Attackers are aware of this and use it to access the countless data in your entire network.
Weak user credentials
Unchecked user input and poor password management may lead to successful attacks and allow hackers to steal data. Using the same password for multiple platforms and sites puts you at risk, as each one should be as unique and complex as possible. Regularly changing passwords can prevent hackers from using your information to appear as a legitimate user.
Remote code execution vulnerability
A zero-day vulnerability can lead to this subtype of vulnerability. During this remote attack, a hacker will execute malicious code into your system without having physical access. They will use malware to obtain data, participate in illegal activities, and take other harmful measures.
Outdated or unpatched software
Developers periodically produce updates to fix software bugs and errors, but unaddressed operating system flaws can be susceptible to a cyber threat. Falling behind and leaving unpatched systems give hackers the opportunity to make their security threats.
Companies should make software development updates and patches a priority to avoid unpatched vulnerabilities. Checking up on security and safety is another great tip.
Insider threats
Insider threats come from employees that have access control to your network. They can be the source of cyber attacks as they may have prior authentication, are spying for a competing business, or are unhappy with your practices. You can put up security cameras on your company’s premises to ensure your data and sensitive information is safe.
System misconfigurations
System misconfigurations network assets with security vulnerabilities can create the perfect opportunity for a cyber attack. The amount of misconfigurations continues to increase because of the rapid digital transformation. Incompatibility or clunky software makes it easy for social engineering and other threats to successfully achieve their goals.
Ransomware attacks
A ransomware threat occurs when a hacker uses malicious code to gain access to your network. They may use the data breach to threaten and withhold your information for money. Once you pay their price, you might not necessarily get your valuable data back from them.
Identifying And Addressing Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities
Security professionals are constantly fighting against social engineering tactics and doing everything they can to address technology vulnerabilities. Once you identify these vulnerabilities, your security teams can manage and prevent current and future threats.
Identifying cybersecurity vulnerabilities
Some ways to identify vulnerabilities include running a vulnerability detection program, implementing a security system, examining your network, and checking who or what has permission to access your data. Now that you know what types to look for, you’ll have an easier time knowing if they’re affecting you.
Using security vulnerability management to protect sensitive data
Vulnerability management is the process in which you identify, address, fix, and report cyber security vulnerabilities. Staying on top of known vulnerabilities can protect you against other social engineering attacks. There are some rare situations where you might accept the attack because it may cost too much or take too long to address the minimal threat risk.
ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager is a vulnerability management program that runs frequent vulnerability assessments. It responds to threats with patches or other solutions.
Hackers can also attack operating systems for nefarious activities. Poor data encryption allows cyber adversaries to steal or modify important information and communications. Working with an IT professional or using management programs can make it harder for hackers.
Running vulnerability assessments to avoid data breaches
By running a vulnerability assessment, you can determine which cybersecurity threats are more dangerous to your system. You’ll decide which network vulnerabilities to address first and the best security measures to take. Manageengine’s program is one way to assess vulnerability, but there are many other methods to achieve similar results.
Penetration testing
Penetration testing (also known as pen testing) involves testing your organization’s systems to see how easily a hacker could get in. Your security teams can use penetration testing to identify flaws and errors that a hacker can manipulate. Additionally, pen testing informs you how secure your systems are, seeing if they follow guidelines and safety protocols.
Contact Us For Trusted Cybersecurity Solutions
Having proper security measures in place can avoid harmful data breaches consequences, such as losing the trust and respect of your employees and clients. Cyber safety is also extremely important, and working with a trusted cybersecurity and IT company can help improve your company’s daily operations. Renascence IT Consulting is the team you need.
We can help with vulnerability management and improve your overall security posture. Let our experts help you fight against cybersecurity vulnerability! Call us at (510) 422-5107 to schedule a consultation with our team, or contact us online.
