A vulnerability is a weakness. In the computer world, vulnerabilities are weaknesses in software or hardware that threat actors will try to exploit or take advantage of with malicious intent.
In the context of cybersecurity, a vulnerability is a flaw or weakness present in a system. This could be anything from a flaw in software code, system configuration, or hardware design that can be exploited by a threat actor. When left unchecked, these vulnerabilities can be leveraged to gain unauthorized access, extract sensitive data, or disrupt service operations.
Understanding common cybersecurity vulnerabilities can help you harden your defenses.
Common cybersecurity vulnerabilities and exposures are kept track of through the CVE Program (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures Program).
Partnering with community members worldwide, the CVE Program was launched in 1999 by the MITRE Corporation. The initial goal was to create commonly used descriptors for vulnerabilities, since at the time, different security tools and databases used different names for the same vulnerability. Widely adopted, the CVE Program enables better cybersecurity response across industries.
The CVE system provides a reference for publicly known information-security vulnerabilities and exposures. This universal identifier enables cybersecurity professionals to quickly and accurately address vulnerabilities across different systems with consistent language and criteria.
A CVE vulnerability is a specific flaw that has been cataloged in the CVE database. This database is crucial for cybersecurity professionals as it provides details about:
This standardized identification method helps organizations better defend against known cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Since each vulnerability also receives a score, it can also help organizations prioritize security risks by their potential impact.
A zero-day vulnerability is a specific type of flaw that is unknown.
This type of vulnerability is termed "zero-day" because it gives the developers no prior warning. The moment a zero-day vulnerability is exploited, it becomes a race against time for developers to identify, understand, and rectify the flaw before significant damage can occur.
Protecting against zero-day attacks requires a proactive and layered security approach. This includes employing advanced threat detection systems that do not solely rely on known vulnerability signatures, as well as implementing robust security policies and practices like regular software updates.
The best way to protect against known and unknown cybersecurity vulnerabilities is with the right management software. These types of solutions can help organizations identify, classify, prioritize, remediate, and mitigate software vulnerabilities.
This is a continuous process that can help protect against threats. Once a vulnerability is identified, a patch can be deployed to fix it. It includes regular vulnerability scans and the ongoing monitoring of systems to detect and respond to new security threats.
A vulnerability scan is an essential part of the management process. It effectively assesses activities to detect and diagnose vulnerabilities in systems, networks, or software. These scans are crucial for maintaining the security posture of an organization by ensuring timely detection and response to potential security threats.
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