How do you deal with scan challenges and limitations in complex or dynamic networks?

2 Scan limitations

When scanning complex or dynamic networks, you may face several limitations. Network bandwidth, CPU, memory, or disk space may be consumed by scans and affect scan speed and quality, as well as network availability. Additionally, scan tools may not support certain network protocols, devices, or vulnerabilities, or have compatibility issues with other tools or systems. Furthermore, a high level of technical knowledge and experience is needed to configure, run, and analyze scans effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, you must stay up-to-date on the evolving threat landscape and scan best practices.

3 Scan optimization

To optimize your scan settings and strategies for complex or dynamic networks, you should plan your scan scope, schedule, and objectives based on your network topology and inventory. Communicating your scan plans with stakeholders, such as network administrators or security teams, is essential to avoid interference and ensure compliance. Additionally, segmenting your network into smaller scan targets based on location, function, or vulnerability level is key. Utilizing appropriate scan credentials, ports, and protocols for each segment can improve coverage and accuracy. Automating scan processes with tools or scripts that trigger, run, and report scans based on pre-defined criteria such as network events or changes is also recommended. Lastly, using tools or services to update your vulnerability database and scan engine can guarantee currency and reliability.

4 Scan verification

To ensure the validity and quality of your scan results, you should verify your scan data and reports by following a few steps. First, review the scan data and reports for any errors, anomalies, or inconsistencies. You should also compare the scan data and reports with other sources of information, such as logs or assessments, to validate or corroborate your findings. Second, confirm your scan findings by performing additional tests, such as manual checks or penetration tests. You should also confirm the impact and remediation of the vulnerabilities by applying patches, fixes, or mitigations, and re-scanning the affected assets or segments. Finally, provide feedback on your scan results and processes to your scan tools or vendors. Also share your scan insights, recommendations, or best practices with your scan stakeholders to enhance the security posture of your network.

5 Scan improvement

To maximize scan performance and accuracy, you should monitor and measure scan metrics and outcomes by benchmarking your results against industry standards or best practices, such as the CVSS, CVE, or OWASP. Analyze scan results for any trends, patterns, or correlations regarding frequency, distribution, and severity of vulnerabilities. Also analyze for any gaps, risks, or opportunities related to root causes, impacts, or solutions. Optimize scan settings and strategies based on scan analysis and benchmarking to address weaknesses. Additionally, adjust settings and strategies based on network changes and needs to adapt to new or emerging vulnerabilities or threats.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?