Compare vulnerability scan to penetration test using example of the
following :
C. Goal
The goal of a vulnerability scan is to identify and evaluate potential weaknesses in a system or network. It aims to provide a comprehensive list of vulnerabilities that can be used by the organization to prioritize and address them. Vulnerability scans are typically automated processes that scan the network, systems, and applications for known vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and security weaknesses.
On the other hand, the goal of a penetration test is to actively exploit vulnerabilities found in a system or network to identify potential risks and assess the overall security posture. Penetration tests are conducted by ethical hackers who simulate real-world attack scenarios to determine if security controls can be bypassed, sensitive data can be accessed, or any system can be compromised. Penetration tests focus on examining how an attacker would exploit vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access, damage, or steal sensitive information.
To illustrate the difference between the two, let's consider an example of a company conducting a security assessment:
1. Vulnerability Scan: The company wants to assess the security of its network infrastructure. They use a vulnerability scanning tool to scan all servers, routers, and firewalls for known vulnerabilities and misconfigurations. The vulnerability scan identifies several open ports, weak passwords, outdated software versions, and operating system vulnerabilities. The result of this scan helps the company understand their weaknesses and allows them to prioritize patching and remediation efforts to improve their security.
2. Penetration Test: After patching the vulnerabilities identified in the vulnerability scan, the company decides to conduct a penetration test to ensure their security measures are effective. Ethical hackers are hired to simulate real-world attacks and attempt to infiltrate the company's network. They use various tools and techniques to exploit vulnerabilities found during the vulnerability scan. During the penetration test, the hackers manage to exploit a weak authentication mechanism, gain access to sensitive customer data, and exfiltrate it without being detected. This penetration test reveals critical flaws in the company's security infrastructure and highlights the importance of implementing additional security measures to protect sensitive data.
In summary, vulnerability scans focus on identifying weaknesses and vulnerabilities, helping organizations prioritize remediation efforts, while penetration tests actively exploit vulnerabilities to assess the effectiveness of security controls and identify potential risks in real-world scenarios.