Vulnerability scanning

Stay ahead of threats with Strike Graph vulnerability scans

Transform vulnerability management from a reactive task to ongoing robust protection and compliance before it's too late. 

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Vulnerability scanning shifts your security stance from reactive to proactive

Companies are in an arms race with hackers — and AI has dramatically changed the rules. Threats emerge faster and are more sophisticated than ever before. Regular vulnerability scanning keeps you ahead of the bad actors.

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Aware

Stay ahead of the hackers

Our scans are based on up-to-the minute info on malicious AI, ransomware, and wider hacking trends.

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Proactive

Identify security weaknesses

If you don’t find your vulnerabilities, hackers will. Regular scanning keeps you in control of your company’s data security.

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Secure

Block emerging threats

Quickly close any gaps identified in your report and keep attackers where they belong — outside your data security defenses. 

ARTICLE

Vulnerability scanning vs. pen testing

Knowing the differences between vulnerability scans and pen tests lets you make smart decisions about when, and how frequently, to do each. Our comprehensive article outlines everything you need to know about strategic testing.

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Here’s how a vulnerability scan works

Identify and remedy security weaknesses before they’re detected by bad actors.

1

Define your scope

Indicate which information security assets you want to scan.
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2

Scan for vulnerabilities

Your systems are scanned for known vulnerabilities, like outdated software versions, missing patches, and configurations easily exploited by hackers. 
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3

Get your results

Your report will detail any found vulnerabilities and provide guidance for mitigating these weaknesses — before they can be found by bad actors. 
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Join the hundreds of companies that rely on Strike Graph for risk management

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Join the hundreds of companies that rely on Strike Graph for security compliance

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“...a reduction in time to complete, cost to complete, and complexity in implementation.”
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Have more detailed questions about vulnerability scanning? We have answers!

What’s the difference between vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, and are both important?

Vulnerability scanning is an automated process designed to identify and report on known vulnerabilities within a network and its connected systems. This process involves comparing the current configuration against a continuously updated list of vulnerabilities to prioritize and mitigate potential security risks.

Penetration testing, while related, goes a step further by simulating a real-world attack on a system to identify exploitable vulnerabilities and assess the effectiveness of the existing security measures. Unlike vulnerability scanning, which should be done at least quarterly, penetration testing is typically conducted annually or in response to significant changes in system architecture or policies.

Vulnerability scanning focuses on identifying and mitigating known vulnerabilities within a system before they can be exploited. It is a critical, routine security measure that complements the more in-depth and targeted approach of penetration testing. Together, they form a comprehensive security assessment strategy, with vulnerability scanning providing regular oversight and penetration testing offering a detailed examination of the system's defenses against attacks.

Both practices are essential for a robust security posture: vulnerability scanning for its broad and regular review of potential security weaknesses and penetration testing for its deep, targeted analysis of how an attacker could breach the system.

This dual approach ensures that organizations can prevent, detect, and respond to security vulnerabilities effectively.

Read our article for more in-depth info on the difference between vulnerability scans and pen tests and how the two can work together for more robust data security.

How often should vulnerability scans be performed?

Vulnerability scans should be conducted at least quarterly and upon significant changes in the company's solution infrastructure. This frequent scanning helps identify and mitigate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, ensuring the system’s security over time.

What are the benefits of regular vulnerability scanning?

Regular vulnerability scanning helps organizations monitor their networks, systems, applications, and procedures for security vulnerabilities. This allows them to recognize weaknesses, assess the risk level of each vulnerability, and receive recommendations on mitigating these vulnerabilities. Overall, it leads to improved compliance, operational efficiency, and customer trust.

What is a network vulnerability scan?

A network vulnerability scan identifies vulnerable systems and possible network security attacks on both wired and wireless networks. It can reveal unauthorized or unknown devices and systems on a network, potentially uncovering insecure networks or unauthorized remote access servers. Various methods like brute force scans for weak passwords, credentialed scans, and exploit scans can be used.

→ Learn more about different types of vulnerability scans.

How does the cost of vulnerability scanning compare to penetration testing?

Vulnerability scanning is a cost-effective and essential component of an organization's cybersecurity strategy, aimed at identifying, ranking, and reporting potential vulnerabilities within systems and networks. Unlike penetration testing, which simulates a hacker's attack to identify vulnerabilities and can be significantly more expensive (with high-quality tests ranging from $10K to $20K), vulnerability scanning employs automated tools to regularly assess the security of a network against known vulnerabilities. 

What are some common vulnerability scanning tools?

There are a broad range of independent network and web application scanning programs that detect known vulnerabilities in your systems. The advantage of Strike Graph’s streamlined vulnerability scans is that they work in tandem with our all-in-one security compliance platform making it easy and affordable to conduct vulnerability scans regularly, ensuring your systems remain safe from emerging threats. 

Do I need a vulnerability scan for SOC 2 Type 1 or Type 2 or both?

You need a vulnerability scan for both SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2. It's best practice to perform them at least quarterly, and timing will depend on the monitoring period.

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Chat with us right now by clicking on the chat icon to the right. 

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