There are a lot of things that must be kept in mind when in the process of securing your network. Unfortunately, most network security processes don’t go beyond patch management and installing antivirus software! There’s a lot more that can and should be done when it comes to implementing network security i.e. checking configurations, troublesome and default configured hardware, and dealing with known issues in third-party applications. It is these processes that make up web or network vulnerability assessment.

Making mistakes is human nature however not paying attention to your web application’s security needs when performing web vulnerability assessment can become quite a costly error! We have outlines some of the most common mistakes made by in-house IT professionals and administrators when it comes to web application vulnerability assessments.

Learn from them and make your web application’s security your highest priority, in theory and practice.

Not Attending To Least Important Vulnerabilities

You will of course have some high-level vulnerability within the web application that is given highest priority by network administrators and in-house specialists.  Nothing is wrong in labelling particular vulnerabilities high priority as they can pose a direct and immediate adverse impact to your web application. The real issue lies with not paying attention to the low priority vulnerabilities. This automatically leads to unequal allotment of resources for all web applications and vulnerabilities.  

Network administrators need to search, identify and fix all web security vulnerabilities that can even potentially cause problems. What more does this include?

• Seemingly harmless marketing websites
• Intranet and portals
• Content management systems
• Web interfaces for all network devices

Expect Reported Vulnerabilities to Be Fixed Without Following Up

Following-up is really important especially if it’s for something as important as your web application’s vulnerability assessment report. Keep in mind: assessing or scanning vulnerability within a web application isn’t the same as fixing it! You developers likely won’t even know of the identified issues because management may not deem them important enough. Almost always management of any business has their own set of priorities which is given precedence over addressed or identified security issues.

In such a case, it’s a better idea to partner with developer and follow-up accordingly. This will make sure all identified and crucial vulnerabilities are remediated.  

Assuming a Secure Web Application Is Also Compliant

Contrary to popular belief, a so-called compliant termed web application security assessment doesn’t necessarily make a web application secure and vice versa. Why are compliance and security not the same? Quite simply, compliance in website applications is merely a guideline of how a particular security program meets specific security requirements.

Compliance managers and auditors should sit down together and make sure all known risks are removed by making a website security plan based on requirements set by chosen security program.

Web application is indeed an important aspect for many business’s IT compliance programs. As such, you must hire the best third party managed service provider in your city. Consider signing up for Lean Security’s free trial.