Get To Know The Difference between Internal and External Vulnerability Scans

Introduction

When it comes to placing security on devices, we usually go for timely scanning so that possible threats can be countered. Today, the need of the hour is to do internal and external scanning.

Are these words new to you? Don’t worry because we are there to make you find the difference between the two.

Understand Vulnerability Scanning

It is an automated process that automatically assesses applications, networks, and other security infrastructure. The scanning is performed with the help of third-party services or the IT department of an organization.

These scans are many times performed by attackers as well to have an insight into the vulnerabilities of a system so that they can know the entry points.

• Includes classification and detecting system vulnerabilities

• Finds vulnerabilities in the network, equipment, and computers

• Identifies security loopholes

• Keeps a check on the countermeasures

Now, let us discuss internal and external vulnerability scans!

Internal vulnerability scanning

The process includes scanning from a location that has access to the internal network of a system. They are performed within the internal network environment.

• Can see through the existing network for security vulnerabilities

• Scans with a greater depth

• Have a unique number of benefits

• Is ideal when you need to verify your patch

• Is required when you need to provide detailed support regarding existing vulnerabilities

While performing this type of scanning, you will see two options: credentials and non-credential scans. When it comes to credential scans:

• They utilize admin accounts

• Performs detailed checks for focusing on vulnerabilities

• Provides a deeper understanding of existing vulnerabilities

When we talk about non-credential scans:

• Provides a view for vulnerabilities

• Make use of the existing networks that are hosted by a network host

• Should never be missed

External vulnerability scanning

This type of scanning is performed outside the existing network. The benefits include the following:

• Helps in the identification of vulnerabilities that threaten assets

• The scans are targeted at external IP addresses of your existing network

• Information ideal to be used for potential vulnerabilities

Above all, these scans are best when you need to identify the strength of your externally facing services.

Significance Of Internal And External Vulnerabilities Scanning

Systems that use the internet are being scanned for loopholes on a regular basis. If you do not perform those scans, then someone else will get to know about the loopholes.

Attackers usually scan updated patches to look for exploit vulnerabilities. The global nature of the internet makes it much easy for them to commit attacks.

• Scanning can reveal the missing patches, which need to be implemented on time.

• They help in identifying threats outside the firewall.

• Protects your network from employees who are targeting your system.

• Protects from threats that get downloaded through the internet or through a USB stick on your network.

• The purpose of internal scanning is to explore vulnerabilities within the firewall.

This is why these scans play such a crucial role in today’s time. By running these scans, you can enhance the security of your internal network. This means you can get a lot of benefits from these scans.

Identification and Mitigation Of Risks After Conducting Scans

The aim of these scans is to cater to the customers with a feedback loop that can assist in enhancing the overall security posture of an organization.

It is crucial for reviewing the applied patches after each scan and get the remediation efforts that have been approved by the IT and security teams.

• It is crucial to act on the spot after completing the vulnerability scans.

• These scans are sometimes followed up by little or no analysis of what next should be done.

• The risk assessment must be put in place in a way so that it can make sense to the organization.

• The number of the high and low vulnerabilities may vary, it is better to focus on less critical vulnerabilities as well.

After having an insight into the vulnerabilities, you and your IT team will be able to prepare better mitigation strategies with less effect on your organization.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to evaluating the stance of security of an organization, vulnerability scans come to the priority for everyone. They are performed because they provide instant support for rebuilding and strengthening security.

If you wish to empower your security inside out, it is better to perform scans internally and externally. Scanning both internally and externally can help you in a long way.

Furthermore, you can fine-tune the security of your organization so that it can work without any danger of risk to reach the heights of success.

Perform a quick scan of your system today and keep your business protected!