Why Cyber Security Scanning is Essential
In the rapidly evolving world of cyber threats, organisations must proactively identify and mitigate potential security vulnerabilities to protect sensitive data and maintain a strong security posture. Cyber security scanning involves using specialised tools to detect weaknesses in an organisation’s network infrastructure, applications, and devices that could be exploited by malicious actors.
By conducting regular scans, organisations can pinpoint security issues, reduce the risk of unauthorised access, and strengthen their defences against potential attacks. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the main types of cybersecurity scans, their purpose, and how they help organisations safeguard their networks.
1. Vulnerability Scanning
Vulnerability scanning is one of the most common types of cyber security scanning. It involves using vulnerability scanners to identify known weaknesses in an organisation’s systems, applications, and devices. These scans are typically automated, making it easier to check large networks on a regular basis.
Key Focus Areas
- Network Infrastructure: Scans routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points to detect outdated firmware, misconfigurations, and unpatched vulnerabilities.
- User Devices: Checks workstations, laptops, printers, and other connected devices for outdated operating systems and vulnerable software.
- Servers and High-Value Systems: Scans servers and other critical systems, such as DVRs and VoIP systems, to ensure they are not potentially vulnerable to attacks.
- Applications: Identifies weaknesses in dedicated applications, such as backup software, CRM systems, and other tools that process sensitive data.
Benefits
- Provides a comprehensive overview of the organisation’s security posture
- Helps ensure that patches and updates are applied promptly.
- Reduces the risk of exploitation by identifying common vulnerabilities.
Common Tool Used
- Nessus
- QualysGuard
- OpenVAS
2. Network Scanning
Network scanning focuses on identifying open ports, active devices, and services running on a network. It helps organisations detect potential entry points for attackers and assess the overall security of their network infrastructure.
Types of Network Scans
- Port Scans: Uses port scanners to check for open ports on network devices. Open ports can expose an organisation’s systems to attacks if not properly secured.
- Ping Sweeps: Identifies active devices on the network by sending ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) requests.
- Service Scans: Detects which services are running on open ports to determine if they are vulnerable or misconfigured.
Benefits
- Helps prevent unauthorised access by identifying open ports and unnecessary services.
- Provides insights into the organisation’s network, including devices and configurations.
- Supports the detection of potential misconfigurations that could lead to security risks.
Common Tool Used
- Nmap
- Angry IP Scanner
- Advanced IP Scanner
3. Web Application Scanning
With web applications being a prime target for attackers, web application scanning is critical for identifying security vulnerabilities in websites and online services. This type of scan focuses on detecting issues such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and insecure authentication mechanisms.
Key Focus Areas
- Input Validation: Checks for vulnerabilities that allow attackers to inject malicious code or commands.
- Session Management: Evaluates how sessions are managed to prevent session hijacking.
- Access Controls: Verifies that proper authentication and authorisation mechanisms are in place.
Benefits
- Reduces the risk of data breaches by securing web applications.
- Helps organisations comply with industry regulations, such as PCI DSS and GDPR.
- Provides actionable insights to developers for improving application security.
Common Tool Used
- OWASP ZAP
- Acunetix
- Burp Suite
4. API Security Scanning
API security scanning focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in application programming interfaces (APIs), which are commonly used to connect different applications and services. Since APIs often handle sensitive data, ensuring their security is vital.
Key Focus Areas
- Authentication and Authorisation: Ensures that only authorised users can access API endpoints.
- Data Encryption: Verifies that data transmitted through APIs is properly encrypted.
- Rate Limiting: Tests APIs for rate limiting controls to prevent denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
Benefits
- Protects sensitive information by securing API communications.
- Helps prevent unauthorised access to critical systems.
- Enhances the security of interconnected applications.
Common Tool Used
- Postman
- SoapUI
- Insomnia
5. Port Scanning
Port scanning is a specific type of network scanning that focuses solely on identifying open ports on devices within a network. Open ports can serve as entry points for attackers if they are not properly secured.
Commonly Scanned Ports
- Port 22: SSH (Secure Shell)
- Port 80: HTTP (Web Traffic)
- Port 443: HTTPS (Secure Web Traffic)
- Port 3389: RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)
Benefits
- Identifies open ports that may need to be closed or secured.
- Helps prevent attacks by limiting unnecessary network exposure.
- Supports network administrators in understanding the organisation’s network configuration.
Common Tool Used
- Nmap
- Zenmap
- Masscan
6. Mobile Application Security Testing
With the widespread use of mobile devices, mobile application security testing is essential for ensuring that mobile apps do not pose a security risk. This type of testing evaluates the security of apps running on both iOS and Android devices.
Key Focus Areas
- Data Storage: Ensures that sensitive data is not stored insecurely on mobile devices.
- Network Communication: Verifies that data transmitted by the app is encrypted.
- Authentication and Authorisation: Checks that proper access controls are in place.
Benefits
- Reduces the risk of data leakage from mobile apps.
- Ensures compliance with mobile security standards.
- Improves the overall security of mobile applications used by employees.
Common Tool Used
- MobSF
- Appknox
- Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP)
7. Penetration Testing (Pen Testing)
While penetration testing is often considered distinct from scanning, it plays a complementary role by simulating real-world attacks on an organisation’s systems. Pen testing helps validate the findings of vulnerability scans and provides deeper insights into potential attack vectors.
Types of Pen Testing
- Black Box Testing: The tester has no prior knowledge of the target.
- White Box Testing: The tester has full knowledge of the target.
- Grey Box Testing: The tester has partial knowledge of the target.
Benefits
- Identifies vulnerabilities that may not be detected by automated scans.
- Helps organisations understand the real-world impact of security weaknesses.
- Provides actionable recommendations for improving security.