Compare vulnerability scan to penetration test using example of the
following :
B. Process
Vulnerability scans and penetration tests are both important security practices used to identify weaknesses in an organization's systems. However, they differ in terms of their approach and the level of depth they provide.
A vulnerability scan is an automated process that scans a network or system for known vulnerabilities, such as outdated software versions, misconfigured settings, or missing patches. It scans for known weaknesses based on a database of known vulnerabilities, but it does not attempt to exploit these vulnerabilities. Instead, it provides a report highlighting potential vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.
For example, let's say an organization runs a vulnerability scan on its web server. The scan identifies that an outdated version of a software component is being used. The report will highlight this vulnerability, suggesting that the organization updates the software to the latest version to mitigate the security risk.
On the other hand, a penetration test (also known as ethical hacking) goes beyond vulnerability scanning. It involves authorized individuals actively attempting to exploit the identified vulnerabilities in a controlled manner, mimicking the actions of a malicious attacker. It aims to determine the extent to which a system can be compromised and to understand the potential impact of an attacker.
For example, imagine a penetration test is conducted on a company's internal network. The penetration tester successfully exploits a vulnerability in a database server and gains unauthorized access to sensitive customer data. This test would demonstrate the severity of the vulnerability and the potential consequences if it were to be exploited by a real threat actor.
In summary, vulnerability scanning is an automated process that identifies known vulnerabilities, while penetration testing actively exploits those vulnerabilities to assess an organization's overall security posture. Vulnerability scans are often utilized as a proactive measure to identify potential weaknesses for future mitigation, while penetration tests provide a more comprehensive evaluation of an organization's security measures.