What are the best sources of information and guidance for Vulnerability Scanning?

The first step in vulnerability scanning is not just finding tooling documentation but having an up to date database of assets of your organization (physical machines, virtual machines, network devices, software/firmware installed on each etc). It is only when you have this information should you begin the process. Of course in large organizations having this list is a challenge of its own but without this any vulnerability scan will not be comprehensive enough.

1. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) NIST Special Publications: NIST SP 800-40 Rev. 3 - NIST Computer Security Resource Center (CSRC) 2. Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) OWASP Top Ten: 3. Center for Internet Security (CIS) CIS Controls 4. SANS Institute SANS Top 20 Critical Security Controls 5. Mitre Corporation CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) 6. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) ISO/IEC 27002 7. Vendor-Specific Documentation Tenable (Nessus): Offers extensive documentation and user guides for Nessus vulnerability scanner. Qualys: Provides detailed guides, and FAQs for using QualysGuard. Rapid7 (Nexpose and InsightVM): 8. Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC).

Vulnerability Scanning guide: > Splunk's compendium on the process, best practices, and tools of vulnerability scanning. > It offers ancillary materials for the CISA's CRR, Volume 4 and contains detailed information on developing a vulnerability management strategy. > The National Institute of Standards and Technology provides industry-recognized guidelines and standards for vulnerability scanning and management. > SANS Institute is a resource for guidance, and other information, regarding vulnerability scanning and management. > The UK's National Cyber Security Centre offers tailored guidelines and best practices on vulnerability scanning.

?? Vuln scanning is crucial, but wading through the same old ideas can get stale. ??? Here's my unique roadmap to explore the wild side of Vuln scanning ???? ?? Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions: Think "gamified" vulnerability assessments. Example : HackTheBox or CTFTime. ?? Bug Bounty Programs: Become a white-hat hacker! Expose to real-world environments ???♂? ?? Open-Source Security Communities: Dive into the vibrant world of open-source security communities. Forums like Reddit's r/netsec or online communities like Intigriti. ?? Capture the Flag Write-Ups: CTF participants often document their exploits in write-ups. Websites like "Write-ups.org" or individual challenge write-ups on CTF platforms can be invaluable learning .

Excellent article! Spot on about the importance of having a comprehensive asset database as the starting point for vulnerability scanning. It's the bedrock for any effective cybersecurity strategy. In my experience, staying connected with the cybersecurity community is key. Forums, blogs, and social media are great for real-time discussions on emerging threats and vulnerabilities. I'd also add that engaging in hands-on practice with various tools in a controlled environment helps to deepen understanding and skill proficiency. Kudos on highlighting the significance of continuous learning, especially in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Looking forward to more insightful content!

If you’re looking for a Vulnerability specific course, you should definitely check SANS SEC460 and MGT516. These courses provide a better understanding of vulnerability management lifecycle and help mature your program.

1. LinkedIn LearningL Ethical Hacking, CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) (CS0-002) Cert Prep. 2. EC-Council:Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) 3. CompTIA CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+): 4. Offensive Security Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): 5. Coursera IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate: Google IT Support Professional Certificate: 6. Udemy Penetration Testing Learn Ethical Hacking From Scratch: The Complete Cyber Security Course: 7. Cybrary Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking 8. Pluralsight Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking.

??? For podcasts, definitely check out: ?? Darknet Diaries for intriguing cybercrime stories (a bit lighter on tech details but super accessible) ?? Malicious Life for a more technical take on historical cyberattacks ?? Cyber Security Headlines for quick, daily news updates. ?? 'CyberWire Daily' and 'Risky Business' are also fantastic for deeper dives into current cybersecurity issue

Going #AFK (Away From Keyboard) is a great way to immerse yourself in the people and ideas that defend our connected systems. Get a load of these: ???? DEF CON is THE hacker convention. A paradise for cybersecurity enthusiasts and hub for learning cutting-edge infosec techniques ?? Black Hat is the commercial stop in the Hackers Summer Camp tour. Expect high-level discussions, the latest in security research, and hands-on workshops. ?? RSA Conference is renowned for its global influence, RSA offers a mix of policy discussions, tech insights, and networking opportunities. If you are just getting into the game, or looking for a meetup to swap stories with friends, any of those 3 events will be a hot spot to check out ????

Engage with professional security associations such as ISACA, (ISC)2, and the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) for educational resources and networking opportunities. As a member of ISACA, I accessed their comprehensive resources on vulnerability management, including webinars and whitepapers. The knowledge gained from these materials directly influenced our approach to integrating vulnerability scanning into our broader IT governance framework, improving overall security maturity. Explore open-source security tools and projects like Metasploit, Nmap, and the OpenVAS for practical insights & hands-on experience.

When it comes to testing a specific product, it is always advisable to obtain a demo or trial version of the product. This allows you to install it in your own lab environment and thoroughly test it with the known functionalities. By doing so, you can gain firsthand experience and assess whether the product meets your requirements before making a decision.