When it comes to an organisation’s cyber security approach, being able to identify risks and vulnerabilities is vital to ensure data security.
Rather than simply hope that an organisation’s cyber security measures are robust, many organisations adopt proactive defence assessment methods. Two of the leading routes here are penetration testing and vulnerability scanning.
Both have their value within an effective cyber security strategy. But knowing the right one to use and when can be difficult. Below we compare penetration testing vs vulnerability scanning, where their roles differ and what impact they can have on your IT approach:
Understanding Vulnerability Scanning
Vulnerability scanning is an automated process that identifies vulnerabilities within a given system. It’s used to scan networks, applications, and devices for weaknesses that could be exploited by cyber criminals who want to gain access to your systems.
Regular vulnerability scans are essential for maintaining your security hygiene, providing a comprehensive overview of potential risks and helping to keep systems updated against known threats.
The Role Of Penetration Testing
By comparison, penetration testing is a more targeted and manual approach. Specialist cyber security experts (often referred to as ethical hackers) simulate realistic attacks to identify how vulnerabilities could be exploited and how easily an attacker could gain unauthorised access.
Penetration testing provides a realistic view of an organisation’s security posture, including the effectiveness of existing defences and response mechanisms, as well as identifying gaps where additional protective measures are needed.
When To Choose Penetration Testing vs Vulnerability Scanning
The importance of penetration testing vs vulnerability scanning depends on the specific details and context of an organisation’s requirements:
- Scope and Frequency: Vulnerability scans are typically performed more frequently and cover a broader range of systems and applications. Penetration tests are usually conducted less frequently but provide deeper insights into specific high-risk areas.
- Detail and Depth: Vulnerability scanning is perfect for identifying a wide array of known issues but may overlook complex vulnerabilities. Penetration testing can uncover these sophisticated threats, offering detailed insights into potential attack methods and strategies to help better understand future issues.
- Resource Allocation: Vulnerability scanning is less resource-intensive and can be automated, making it suitable for regular use. Penetration testing requires skilled professionals and can be time-consuming, requiring a more substantial investment. This is because of the invaluable insights it offers into critical vulnerabilities.
Strategic Integration
In order to maintain secure systems, it’s best practice to integrate both methods of defence simultaneously. Regular vulnerability scanning helps maintain a baseline security posture, while periodic penetration testing delivers deeper, more thorough evaluations of critical systems to guarantee more sophisticated risks aren’t overlooked. Together, they form a comprehensive, top to bottom approach to identifying and mitigating security risks.
Making Your Choice Between Penetration Testing vs Vulnerability Scanning
While both penetration testing and vulnerability scanning are important, their value lies in complementary use. Implementing both ensures that an organisation not only identifies vulnerabilities but also understands the potential impact of those vulnerabilities through detailed, simulated attacks. Balancing these two practices is key to maintaining a resilient security strategy.
Akita is an advanced cyber security partner with in-depth experience delivering both of these services. Find out more:
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