What is Vulnerability Management?

Vulnerability management is a systematic and proactive approach to managing security vulnerabilities that exist within an information technology (IT) infrastructure. It typically involves identifying, classifying, prioritizing, and resolving weaknesses that might be exploited by cyber attackers.

Here are some key components of vulnerability management:

1. Vulnerability Identification:

This involves finding weaknesses in systems, applications, or networks. This is usually achieved through various tools such as vulnerability scanners, which can automatically detect known vulnerabilities.

2. Vulnerability Assessment:

Once vulnerabilities are identified, they need to be evaluated and classified based on their severity and potential impact. This helps in prioritizing which vulnerabilities need immediate attention.

3. Remediation or Mitigation:

This is the process of fixing or reducing the risk of the vulnerabilities. Remediation might involve patching software, changing configurations, or applying other security controls.

4. Verification and Reporting:

After remediation, it's important to verify that the issues have been addressed and the risks reduced. Additionally, regular reporting helps in tracking progress and showing compliance with various security standards.

5. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement:

Vulnerability management is not a one-time activity but a continuous process. The IT environment should be constantly monitored for new vulnerabilities, and the vulnerability management program itself should be regularly reviewed and improved.

It's important to note that vulnerability management is a critical part of a broader IT security management program, and it needs to be aligned with other security practices such as threat management, incident response, and risk management.