The Importance of Vulnerability Scanning in Today's Cybersecurity Landscape

It’s no secret that cybercriminals are constantly looking for opportunities to exploit IT systems. Just last March, the personal information of more than 5.8 million individuals was compromised after an unauthorized party accessed national pharmacy network PharMerica’s systems.

Managed service providers (MSPs) play a crucial role in protecting businesses from these and other threats, but traditional periodic scanning methods leave gaps that can be manipulated. Continuous vulnerability scanning (CVS) is a much more proactive approach that closes those gaps. Incorporating CVS can reduce the risk of data breaches, improve efficiency through automation, and enhance compliance with various industry regulations.

Let’s explore the importance of continuous scanning, the potential challenges, and how CVS provides a competitive edge.

Why is it important?

While managed services companies typically utilize the latest technologies to evaluate networks and systems periodically, the time between these assessments creates openings for cybercriminals. These attackers have become increasingly sophisticated and accurate, leaving IT ecosystems potentially vulnerable whenever security scans are not taking place.

Monthly or quarterly scans are no longer sufficient due to the increasing frequency of cyberattacks and evolving compliance requirements. Hackers could have anywhere from 30 to 360 extra days to exploit infrastructure and compromise data. The financial and reputational damage to the affected business could be catastrophic by the time the attack is detected and mitigated.

MSPs need to be forward-thinking and advocate for technologies and methodologies that best protect their clients and themselves. Compliance rules and insurance coverage alone cannot guarantee optimal security.

CVS allows MSPs to evaluate, identify, report, control, and remediate potential cybersecurity issues the moment a vulnerability is found. By incessantly scrutinizing endpoints and internal systems for weaknesses, providers can quickly patch and neutralize threats. This proactive approach—coupled with threat intelligence tools and operational knowledge—enables MSPs to prioritize and mitigate risks swiftly.

What are the challenges?

Balancing the cost of new solutions with the specific needs of price-sensitive SMB customers can be a hurdle. While vulnerability management should be positioned as an essential service, upselling existing customers may be met with resistance. It is imperative to educate decision-makers on the rising threats and the need for continuous upgrades to their cybersecurity solutions. While providers should pitch vulnerability scanning as part of an inclusive cybersecurity stack for prospects, a more tailored approach may be required to address the unique concerns and objections of existing customers.

By highlighting the benefits of vulnerability scanning and management solutions and offering support, MSPs can encourage both potential and current clients to embrace more advanced technologies. Account managers can act as trusted advisors, explaining the value of vulnerability scanning and other security measures. Regular assessments and reviews can also help identify evolving needs and ensure that customers’ IT ecosystems remain robust and optimally protected.

How does CVS increase competitiveness?

Implementing vulnerability scanning is a significant step that propels an MSP's cybersecurity practice forward, placing them at the forefront of the industry. By offering holistic protection, MSPs gain a competitive advantage in the market, especially as the expectations and standards set by insurance companies, investors, and government agencies continue to rise.

Regulatory and insurance agencies now emphasize the importance of strong cybersecurity practices. They expect businesses to have proactive measures in place to protect against potential breaches and cyber incidents. In March, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed enhanced requirements. Companies must now “implement policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to address their cybersecurity risks and, at least annually, review and assess the design and effectiveness of their cybersecurity policies and procedures, including whether they reflect changes in cybersecurity risk over the time period covered by the review.”

MSPs can help clients meet these requirements by offering vulnerability scanning as part of their services. CVS can ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and minimize the risk of penalties or reputational damage. The demand for vulnerability management will only increase and give MSPs with expertise in this area a significant edge over their competitors.

Become a Trusted Partner

Adopting CVS allows MSPs to provide clients with increased confidence in their security posture. Continuous monitoring and timely vulnerability mitigation demonstrate a commitment to staying ahead of evolving threats. This practice instills a sense of security and safety for business owners, knowing that their valuable data is under constant protection.

Go from just a business partner to a trusted partner by utilizing tools like Nodeware, which actively keeps critical assets safe and helps maintain strong client relationships.