Do you have a vulnerability management policy built into your security plan?
Vulnerability management is the practice of identifying, classifying, prioritizing, remediating, and mitigating software vulnerabilities.
On the surface, the purpose of vulnerability management seems to be to prioritize riskiness, and take action accordingly. But it’s a little more difficult than that. That’s how breaches occur. Let’s take a look at some common beliefs and how they can get you into trouble.
Myth #1: Applications with higher risk need higher priority
This is one of the most popular strategies we find when working with clients. If you put all your focus on specific applications, you tend to forget the smaller ones you deem not as important. Take out your phone; how many upgrades are available for the current apps you have loaded on your mobile device? (Yes, mobile apps count too.) If you focus on what you deem to have top priority, you leave doors wide open on applications that can easily be exploited. Hackers know where your attention is going, and they look for the easy ways in.
Myth #2: Focus on your perimeters
The perimeters include traditional forms of security, such as your firewalls or antivirus programs. The purpose is to build a boundary system to keep cybercriminals out, leaving your data on the inside safe. While patching your perimeters is important, it’s equally important to add an extra guard to every system you have. Think of it as two-step security.
Myth #3: I’ll patch when I have time
Nothing can be more frustrating than to spend the time patching your applications, only to turn around a few minutes later and see new patches available. Instead of upgrading regularly, you do it once in a while, when you think about it or have the time. This is how breaches occur. A hole is like leaving the door wide open. If a patch is available, it means the security team has found weaknesses in the system, and the patch is designed to seal them up.
Separating myths from reality
Do you see your security plan in any of the myths from above? You’re not alone. Security strategies are difficult at best, and can quite literally take all of your time.
The reason you shouldn’t take shortcuts is because that’s where your vulnerabilities will lie. Cybercriminals know this; that’s why they look for the easy way in.
Most vulnerabilities aren’t critical. But if you ignore them, they can become critical to your business, opening up your doors wide to a potential breach.
When was the last time you implemented patches for your applications?
For IT Strategy, Cloud Conversion, or Help Desk Services reach out to us at Silver Linings Technology 360-450-4759.
