It's no secret that cybersecurity breaches can cost companies millions of dollars in damages. The effects of these breaches can last for a long time, and it can be hard to recover from one of these attacks without sufficient resources. However, many companies would still rather allocate their funds toward other means instead of investing in cybersecurity services.
For example, many companies have never even had a proper vulnerability assessment conducted on their network. A company could have hundreds of critical vulnerabilities just waiting to be exploited by a hacker, but because they opted not to purchase vulnerability assessment services, these vulnerabilities remain hidden and unmitigated. Then, it’s only a matter of time before they’re exploited, potentially resulting in a massive breach. Moreover, even when companies do spend money on vulnerability assessments, some still won't acquire penetration testing, which is just as important.
To briefly explain the difference between a vulnerability assessment and a penetration test, a vulnerability assessment involves searching for weaknesses within your IT environment. This assessment is typically carried out by a group of cybersecurity professionals who use tools to find and analyze vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are then categorized by their risk level and a report is created suggesting the appropriate remediations. A penetration test, on the other hand, is the act of attempting to exploit the vulnerabilities found in the vulnerability assessment. Both the vulnerability assessment and penetration testing can then be paired together to determine which vulnerabilities are most likely to be exploited.
Utilizing both vulnerability assessments and penetration tests is the best way an organization can properly secure its environment. By investing in these security services, companies will significantly reduce their risk of experiencing a breach, saving more time and money in the long run.
Learn how TechGuard can help you avoid a costly cyber incident. Contact us today.
