Vulnerability Management Process

Vulnerability management is a continuous process aimed at identifying, assessing, prioritising, and addressing security weaknesses in systems, applications, and networks. Vulnerability management plays a critical role in protecting an organisation’s assets from cyberattacks by minimising the risk of exploitation. The process begins with identifying vulnerabilities using tools like automated scanners or manual techniques. These vulnerabilities are then assessed for severity using metrics like the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), enabling organisations to understand their potential impact on operations.

Once vulnerabilities are identified and assessed, they are prioritised based on risk factors such as exploit likelihood, business impact, and asset criticality. High-risk vulnerabilities are addressed through remediation strategies like applying patches, updating software, or reconfiguring systems. If immediate fixes are not possible, mitigation strategies such as compensating controls are implemented to reduce risk. Organisations then verify the effectiveness of these actions through follow-up scans and testing, ensuring that the vulnerabilities have been effectively resolved.



Continuous monitoring is a cornerstone of effective vulnerability management, as new vulnerabilities constantly emerge. Automated scans, threat intelligence feeds, and regular penetration testing help organisations stay ahead of threats. Reporting and documentation are also vital, as they provide a record of identified vulnerabilities, remediation actions, and progress, which is essential for stakeholders and regulatory compliance. Integrating vulnerability management into broader cybersecurity frameworks ensures a systematic approach to safeguarding critical assets.

Despite the benefits of vulnerability management, vulnerability management comes with challenges such as the sheer volume of vulnerabilities, limited resources, and the complexities of dynamic IT environments. To overcome these hurdles, organisations should adopt best practices like automating scans and patching, employing a risk-based approach, and incorporating vulnerability management into the software development lifecycle. By doing so, organisations can strengthen their security posture, reduce costs associated with breaches, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.