10 Vulnerability Scanning Best Practices Every Business Needs to Know

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As your business grows, so do the risks – especially for your digital footprint. Managing risks requires continuous, careful observations from every angle. Vulnerability scans are tools used for this purpose and a staple of a good risk management program. These are most effective when vulnerability scanning best practices are followed.

Implementing risk management tools, such as vulnerability scans, is crucial. With new hacker attacks occurring every 39 seconds, every business (no matter how small) is at risk. However, without understanding how to best use these tools, interpret their results, and take corrective action, they can’t add the security and value you might think they do.

“Vulnerability scans are like having a security guard that serves to patrol the perimeter of a building, monitor security footage and other such security tasks. How effective they are in protecting the property and its people depends on their ability to respond to potential threats, not just identify them,” says Chad Koslow, CEO, Ridge IT Cyber. 

In this article we’ll discuss how to get the most out of vulnerability scanning tools and practices. The information you’ll learn today is:

• What is vulnerability scanning?
• The importance of vulnerability scans in 2025
• How does vulnerability scanning work?
• Types of vulnerability scans
• Common mistakes in vulnerability scan processes
• 10 vulnerability scanning best practices

What is Vulnerability Scanning in Cybersecurity?

In cybersecurity, a vulnerability is a weakness or flaw in a system, network, or application that can be exploited by attackers. These vulnerabilities can arise from software bugs, misconfigurations, or inadequate security practices.

Vulnerability scanning is a process where automated tools examine your systems, networks, and applications to find these security weaknesses. These weaknesses, like outdated software or misconfigurations, can make your business vulnerable to attacks. A recent study revealed 84% of companies have high-risk vulnerabilities on their external networks.

Vulnerability scans are crucial for identifying high-risk vulnerabilities that could lead to security failures, such as outdated software, open ports, misconfigurations and others. 

The Importance of Vulnerability Scanning in 2025

In 2025, vulnerability scanning is more crucial than ever for businesses to protect their operations and ensure continuous availability. 

The average cost of downtime is now $9,000 per minute. Just as concerning is the way cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated. Without regular scans, your systems could be at risk of disruptions that impact productivity and customer trust. 

For businesses that require their vendors to meet certain security protocols, vulnerability scanning is also key to meeting those necessary compliance requirements such as CMMC– a compliance crucial for securing and maintaining government contracts.

Vulnerability scanning can help businesses be proactive with their security, identifying threats before they can be exploited. By staying ahead of vulnerabilities, you not only safeguard your business but also ensure compliance, which is essential for securing contracts and maintaining industry credibility.

How Does Vulnerability Scanning Work?

Vulnerability scanning works by systematically checking your systems for security weaknesses. This process is automated and follows a series of steps to identify potential risks.

Here’s how the vulnerability scanning process typically works:

• Discovery: The scan identifies all devices, systems, and applications within your network and infrastructure.
• Vulnerability detection: It checks these assets against a database of known vulnerabilities, such as the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog.
• Assessment: The scan evaluates the severity of each identified vulnerability.
• Reporting: A detailed report is generated, highlighting vulnerabilities and suggesting fixes.

Once the scan is complete, your team can use the report to prioritize and address the most critical vulnerabilities, ensuring your systems remain secure and compliant with industry standards.

Types of Cybersecurity Vulnerability Scans

Vulnerability scans come in several types, each tailored to address different security needs. The main types of vulnerability scans businesses use to proactively identify security vulnerabilities in different areas of their digital footprint.

Scan Type	What it Does	Common Solutions
Network Scans	Assess all devices and systems on a network to find vulnerabilities like open ports or misconfigurations.	Nessus, Qualys, OpenVAS
Web Application Scans	Focus on identifying vulnerabilities within web applications, such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting.	Acunetix, Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP
Host-Based Scans	Examine individual servers or devices for weaknesses in operating systems, software, and configurations.	Rapid7 InsightVM, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Tenable.io
Wireless Scans	Identify vulnerabilities in wireless networks, including weak encryption and unauthorized access points.	Aircrack-ng, Ekahau, Wireshark

Common Vulnerability Scanning Mistakes Businesses Make

Even with the best tools, vulnerability scanning can fall short if not executed correctly. Here are some common mistakes businesses often make:

1. Infrequent scanning: Only conducting scans occasionally can leave your systems exposed to new vulnerabilities that emerge between scans. Regular scanning is crucial for staying protected.
2. Ignoring low-severity issues: Overlooking less critical vulnerabilities can be risky. Even low-severity issues can be exploited by attackers if left unaddressed.
3. Overlooking network segments: Failing to scan all parts of your network, such as isolated or low-traffic segments, can leave gaps in your security.
4. Misconfiguring scans: Incorrectly setting up scans can result in incomplete or inaccurate findings, undermining the effectiveness of your vulnerability management efforts.

Failing to follow proper scanning practices can have serious consequences. Imagine a business that only scans its main network, overlooking a less-used segment where an outdated server resides. An attacker could exploit a vulnerability on that server, gaining access to sensitive company data. 

Or consider a scenario where a low-severity issue is ignored, like a weak password on a non-critical system. This minor flaw could be the entry point for a cyberattack that disrupts operations, leading to financial losses and reputational damage. Properly executed vulnerability scans help prevent these risks, keeping your business secure.

10 Top Vulnerability Scanning Best Practices

To get the most out of your vulnerability scanning efforts, it’s essential to follow these best practices:

1. Regularly schedule scans: Don’t wait for a breach to happen. Schedule scans on a regular basis, whether weekly, monthly, or quarterly, depending on your risk level. This proactive approach ensures that new vulnerabilities are caught before they can be exploited.
2. Prioritize high-risk areas: Not all vulnerabilities are equal. Focus your attention on the most critical systems, such as those handling sensitive data or customer information. Addressing high-risk areas first helps minimize the impact of potential attacks.
3. Keep tools updated: Your scanning tools are only as good as their latest update. Make sure they’re running the most current software and vulnerability databases to catch the latest threats. An outdated tool might miss a critical vulnerability that could lead to a breach.
4. Automate where possible: Automation reduces the risk of human error and ensures that scans are performed consistently. Automated tools can run scans outside of business hours and generate reports without manual intervention, saving time and resources.
5. Customize scans for your environment: Every business is different, so your scans should reflect that. Customize them based on your specific network setup, applications, and security needs.
   
   This tailored approach helps in identifying vulnerabilities that might be unique to your environment. Work with a partner that knows how to tailor scans to your business needs.

6. Validate scan results: False positives and negatives can lead to unnecessary work or missed threats. Always validate your scan results to ensure accuracy. This step is crucial for making informed decisions about which vulnerabilities to address.
7. Integrate with other security measures: Vulnerability scans are just one piece of the puzzle. Integrate them with other security tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and email protection for a more comprehensive defense strategy.
8. Train your team: Your security team needs to know how to interpret scan results and take corrective action. Regular training ensures that your team is equipped to respond quickly and effectively to any vulnerabilities found.
9. Document and track results: Keep a detailed record of every scan and the actions taken. This documentation not only helps with compliance but also provides valuable insights for improving your security posture over time.
10. Conduct post-scan reviews: After each scan, take the time to review the results and your overall scanning process. Are there recurring issues? Are your tools performing as expected? Regular reviews help you refine your approach and stay ahead of potential threats.

Make Vulnerability Scanning A Breeze with Ridge IT Cyber

There’s a lot to keep in mind when it comes to vulnerability scanning. Ensuring that you follow best practices can make the difference between a strong security posture and leaving your business exposed to potential threats.

If you’re unsure where to begin, or if your current practices are really fortifying your business, reach out to the team at Ridge IT Cyber. We’re security experts and we know how to make vulnerability scanning—and all your cybersecurity efforts—both effective and effortless.

Contact us today to get started.