Vulnerability Assessment in Contemporary Computing

Vulnerability Assessment in Contemporary Computing

Umamageswari, S. Deepa
Copyright: © 2023 |Pages: 28
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-6684-9317-5.ch020
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Abstract

Vulnerability assessments are an important aspect of contemporary computing and cyber security. It is a process of distinguishing and assessing potential security weaknesses and vulnerabilities in a computing system or network. It involves using various tools and techniques to denote vulnerabilities and supply recommendations for mitigating them. The primary goal of a vulnerability assessment is to identify weaknesses that attackers could exploit to gain unauthorized access or cause damage to the system or network. By identifying vulnerabilities early, organizations can take proactive steps to address them and prevent attacks. Some of the key steps involved in vulnerability assessments include: It is important to note that vulnerability assessments should be conducted on a regular basis, as new vulnerabilities are constantly being discovered. Additionally, organizations should consider conducting penetration testing in addition to vulnerability assessments, which involves simulating real-world attacks to identify potential weaknesses.
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1. Introduction

1.1 Chapters

Here are some potential chapter topics related to vulnerability assessments in contemporary computing:

  • 1.

    Introduction to vulnerability assessments: This chapter could provide an overview of vulnerability assessments, including their purpose, benefits, and the key steps involved in conducting them.

  • 2.

    Types of vulnerability assessments: This chapter could explore different types of vulnerability assessments, such as network vulnerability assessments, application vulnerability assessments, and cloud vulnerability assessments.

  • 3.

    Vulnerability scanning techniques: This chapter could delve into the various techniques used in vulnerability scanning, such as port scanning, vulnerability scanning, and web application scanning.

  • 4.

    Vulnerability assessment tools: This chapter could provide an overview of the different vulnerability assessment tools available on the market, including open-source and commercial tools.

  • 5.

    Vulnerability assessment reporting: This chapter could cover how to create vulnerability assessment reports, including what information to include, how to interpret the results, and how to provide actionable recommendations.

  • 6.

    Integrating vulnerability assessments into the software development life-cycle: This chapter could explore how vulnerability assessments can be integrated into the software development life-cycle, including the benefits of conducting assessments during different stages of the development process.

  • 7.

    Case studies: This chapter could provide real-world examples of how vulnerability assessments have helped organizations identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, as well as the lessons learned from these experiences.

1.2 Vulnerability Assessments

Vulnerability assessment is the process of identifying, quantifying, and prioritizing vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. In contemporary computing, vulnerability assessment is a critical component of maintaining the security and integrity of computer systems and protecting them from potential cyberattacks.

The first step in vulnerability assessment is to identify all possible points of vulnerability, such as outdated software, unpatched systems, mis-configured systems, weak passwords, or lack of encryption (Mell, P., & Scarfone, K. 2011).

Once vulnerabilities are identified, they are typically prioritized based on their severity and potential impact. This allows organizations to focus their resources on the most critical vulnerabilities first. Figure 1.1 shows the various vulnerability assessment in contemporary computing.

After prioritization, organizations must then take steps to remediate vulnerabilities, which can include software patches, configuration changes, or other security measures. Finally, regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to ensure that new vulnerabilities are not introduced over time.

Figure 1.

Vulnerability assessment in contemporary computing

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