Cyber threats evolve at a dizzying rate. Alarmingly, recent data reveals that over half of cyber incidents in 2023 were tied to vulnerabilities that had been known for over two years. Two years—an eternity in cybersecurity. So why do these vulnerabilities linger? The sheer volume of threats coupled with limited resources leaves many businesses overwhelmed. 

But there’s good news. With the right security scans, businesses can take control, anticipate threats, and fortify their defenses. Here are three types of security scans every business needs to stay secure.

1. Vulnerability Scans: Spotting the Gaps Before Hackers Do
Vulnerability scans identify weak points in your network, software and systems that could be exploited by hackers.  They hunt for weak points, flagging issues before they can be exploited. There are many types of vulnerability scans, but the main ones are external and internal.

1. Internal Scanning: Internal scanning looks at the internal network and systems from within the organization's network perimeter. It aims to identify vulnerabilities present in devices, servers, and applications accessible from within the network. This type of scan is crucial for identifying potential threats and weaknesses that may exist inside the organization's boundaries. 
    
2. External Scanning: External scanning is the scanning the organization's external-facing systems and assets from outside the organizational perimeter. This scan helps identify vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit from places like websites, firewalls and public IP addresses.  It's essential for understanding the security posture visible to potential attackers

Pro tip: Make vulnerability scanning a habit. Regular scans help you stay on top of newly emerging threats and keep your network in good health.

2. Endpoint Scans: Guarding the Frontline
Your employees’ devices—laptops, mobile phones, desktops—are often the first line of attack for cybercriminals. An endpoint scan searches for things like unauthorized software, repeated failed login attempts, or unsafe Wi-Fi connections. 

What makes endpoint scanning crucial is that these devices serve as doorways into your network. If an endpoint is compromised, your entire system could be at risk. 

Although endpoints scans are a good strategy, an EDR (endpoint detection & response) solution is a much better one: This is a more comprehensive, continuous security solution that not only scans but also monitors, detects, and responds to threats in real-time. EDR offers advanced features like behavioral analysis and automated responses to threats.

With an agent installed directly on each endpoint, these continuous scans can spot threats in real-time, alerting your IT team before an issue spirals out of control.

However, while endpoint scans are essential, they don’t provide the full picture. They only monitor the device itself—what happens when a threat is lurking elsewhere in your network? That’s why endpoint scanning is most effective when combined with broader scans like vulnerability assessments.

3. Penetration Testing: Think Like a Hacker
If vulnerability and endpoint scans are your everyday defenses, penetration testing is your secret weapon. Also known as "pen testing," it involves simulating an attack on your network to expose weaknesses that regular scans might miss. Essentially, you’re hiring ethical hackers to break into your systems before the bad guys do.

There are different types of pen tests, the main ones being:
- White Box Testing: Testers have access to all your security info—perfect for identifying issues quickly.
- Black Box Testing: Testers know nothing, mimicking a real-world attack scenario.

The result? A crystal-clear understanding of where your network is most vulnerable and what actions you need to take to strengthen your defenses.


Why Routine Security Scans Are a Game-Changer
It’s easy to think that a single scan or an occasional test will do the trick, but cybersecurity doesn’t work that way. Threats evolve, new vulnerabilities emerge, and attackers are always refining their techniques. By conducting regular security scans—whether it’s vulnerability assessments, endpoint monitoring, or penetration testing—you stay proactive rather than reactive.


Conclusion
At Present, our comprehensive cybersecurity services are designed to offer continuous monitoring, threat detection, and regular security assessments that help you spot potential risks and address them before they escalate. 

Ready to take your security to the next level? Let’s work together to build a more secure future for your business. Reach out today to learn how we can safeguard your network from the threats of tomorrow.