How do you evaluate and select new vulnerability scanning tools and features?

1 Define your scope and objectives

Before you start looking for new vulnerability scanning tools and features, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with them. What is the scope of your vulnerability scanning project? What are the assets, platforms, and protocols that you need to scan? What are the compliance standards and regulations that you need to follow? What are the risks and threats that you need to mitigate? By defining your scope and objectives, you can narrow down your options and focus on the tools and features that match your requirements.

2 Compare the features and benefits

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential vulnerability scanning tools and features, you need to compare them based on their features and benefits. Accuracy is key in determining how reliable and comprehensive the scans and reports are, as well as how often the vulnerability databases and signatures are updated. Performance is another important factor, as it evaluates the speed and efficiency of scans, as well as the network bandwidth and resources consumed. Usability should also be considered, as it looks at how easy and intuitive the tools are to use, configure, and integrate with other tools. Finally, you should look at the support offered by vendors and developers of the scanning tools, such as their responsiveness, frequency of updates and patches, and documentation and training resources.

3 Test the tools and features

The best way to evaluate and select new vulnerability scanning tools and features is to test them in your own environment and context. Most vendors and developers offer free trials or demos of their products, which you can use to perform some sample scans and reports. This will help you assess the actual performance, usability, and accuracy of the tools and features, as well as identify any issues or limitations that may arise. You can also use this opportunity to solicit feedback from your team members, stakeholders, and clients, who may have different perspectives and expectations from the vulnerability scanning tools and features.

4 Consider the costs and value

When evaluating and selecting new vulnerability scanning tools and features, you must consider the costs and value associated with them. You should look at license fees, maintenance costs, resource costs, and the value proposition. License fees may come with discounts or incentives for bulk purchases or long-term contracts. Maintenance costs could include updates, patches, support, or training. Resource costs involve hardware, software, network, and personnel needed to run and manage the vulnerability scanning tools and features. Lastly, you should consider how much value the tools add to your cybersecurity posture and performance; will they help you achieve your goals and objectives, reduce risks and threats, or improve compliance and reputation?

5 Review and update your choices

Finally, you need to review and update your choices of vulnerability scanning tools and features regularly, as the cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving and changing. You need to monitor the performance, feedback, and results of your vulnerability scanning tools and features, and identify any gaps, challenges, or opportunities for improvement. You also need to stay updated on the latest trends, developments, and innovations in the vulnerability scanning field, and explore new tools and features that may offer better solutions or advantages. By reviewing and updating your choices, you can ensure that your vulnerability scanning tools and features are always aligned with your needs and goals, and that you are always prepared for any cybersecurity challenges.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?