While the progress in internet technology has made life a lot simpler for the human race, it has also brought with it some serious problems. Just like security is required to fight against any
possible invaders in real life, systems need to be put in place to make our life in cyberspace secure too.
Cybersecurity organizations across the world use Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) to help secure the online world. VAPT is an effective way of securing the organization's
cyber assets.
The vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT) process
VAPT is a step by step process. The process starts with a Vulnerability assessment.
Vulnerability assessment is the process of scanning the system, software, or network for weaknesses and loopholes. It identifies potential weaknesses and provides mitigation measures
(remediation) to remove or reduce weaknesses. Vulnerability assessment includes the use of automated tools and manual testing techniques to scan the system for a potential point of breach.
The next step in the process is Penetration testing. The penetration tester has the authority to intentionally exploit the system and find out possible vulnerabilities. The tester simulates the
activities of an attacker and exploits the loopholes/weaknesses usually detected by the vulnerability assessment tools.
VAPT- Cybersecurity service/tool
A cyber attacker first does reconnaissance of a network to get information about the network. The attacker then does a vulnerability assessment on the information generated from the
reconnaissance. Once the vulnerabilities are exposed the attacker exploits the victim's network thus compromising the security and information of the organization.
However, if the organization applies the vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT)technique then it blankets itself against any possible threats. Various attacks such as - DDoS attack, RA flooding, ARP poisoning, etc can be prevented. After identifying vulnerabilities, the organization can install necessary patches and updates to remove the said vulnerabilities from the system. VAPT can thus be used as a cybersecurity tool.