Vulnerability scanning for maintaining compliance and regulations

Vulnerability scanning’s ultimate goal is to safeguard sensitive data. It is a critical component of any security strategy, enabling you to proactively identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities before they are exploited. The WannaCry ransomware attack of 2017, which affected 230,000 computers and crippled businesses worldwide, is an example of the consequences of neglecting vulnerability management. That’s the reason why compliance regulations mainly exist.

Regulatory compliance is an organization’s adherence to laws, regulations, standards, guidelines, and specifications set forth by governments, agencies, trade groups, and other regulatory bodies. Generally, regulations that drive compliance are implemented to protect someone or something. Staying ahead of potential threats like the WannaCry ransomware attack can protect your organization’s sensitive data, maintain compliance with industry standards, and minimize the risk of costly data breaches.

What are the standards and regulations that demand vulnerability scans?

Several industry standards and regulations mandate vulnerability scanning to ensure data security. HIPAA, for example, requires healthcare organizations to implement safeguards to protect patient health information (PHI). This includes conducting regular vulnerability assessments and implementing risk management processes. ISO 27001, an international standard for information security management systems, outlines specific requirements for vulnerability management, such as identifying and assessing vulnerabilities, implementing appropriate controls, and regularly monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of security measures. While NIST and PCI DSS also address vulnerability scanning, HIPAA and ISO 27001 are particularly relevant for organizations handling sensitive data, such as healthcare information and financial data.

How does vulnerability scanning help maintain compliance?

Regulatory requirements are becoming increasingly stringent and far-reaching, covering various industries and data types. Today, many industry standards and regulations mandate vulnerability scanning and timely remediation of identified threats as key security control measures. Severe financial penalties are imposed on organizations that fail to comply with regulations. Imagine the hassle of going through a lawsuit or investigation for security incidents caused by vulnerabilities. It becomes crucial to choose the right vulnerability scanner for your security needs based on the type of organization you are.

At Opcito, it is our job to help organizations demonstrate compliance with industry standards and regulations by ensuring customers identify and rectify security weaknesses that could lead to violations. This is how we help:

• Identification of security weaknesses: Vulnerability scanning acts as your organization’s early warning system. It systematically identifies potential security weaknesses, proactively guarding against unauthorized access, data breaches, and operational disruptions. You can significantly reduce the risk of non-compliance penalties and costly security incidents by proactively addressing these vulnerabilities.
• Prioritization of vulnerabilities: Vulnerability scanning not only identifies security weaknesses but also prioritizes them based on their potential (read more..)