What is a network vulnerability management and how is it performed?

Network vulnerability management is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating vulnerabilities within a network infrastructure. It involves systematically scanning and analyzing network devices, systems, and applications to identify potential weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers.

The process of network vulnerability management typically includes the following steps:

1. Discovery: This involves identifying all devices and systems connected to the network, including servers, routers, switches, firewalls, and endpoints.

2. Vulnerability Scanning: Using specialized tools, the network is scanned to identify known vulnerabilities and weaknesses. These tools compare the network against a database of known vulnerabilities and provide a report highlighting the vulnerabilities found.

3. Vulnerability Assessment: Once vulnerabilities are identified, they are assessed to determine their severity and potential impact on the network. This helps prioritize the vulnerabilities that need immediate attention.

4. Remediation: After assessing the vulnerabilities, appropriate measures are taken to mitigate or eliminate them. This may involve applying patches, updating software, reconfiguring network devices, or implementing additional security controls.

5. Continuous Monitoring: Network vulnerability management is an ongoing process, and regular scanning and assessment are necessary to identify new vulnerabilities that may arise due to software updates, configuration changes, or emerging threats.

Overall, network vulnerability management aims to proactively identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors, thereby enhancing the security and resilience of the network infrastructure.