Running a network vulnerability scan is a crucial first step in protecting your business from cyber threats. But the scan itself only reveals where your systems are weak. The real challenge lies in what you do after the scan: interpreting the results, deciding which issues to fix first, and creating a clear plan to strengthen your security. This post explains how small and mid-sized businesses can move beyond scanning to build stronger defenses, make smarter security investments, and gain lasting peace of mind.
Understanding Your Vulnerability Scan Results
After completing a scan, you will receive a report listing potential weaknesses in your network, software, or devices. These can range from outdated software versions to misconfigured settings or missing security patches. The first step is to understand what each finding means for your business.
- Severity levels: Most reports categorize vulnerabilities by severity, such as low, medium, high, or critical. Focus on critical issues first, as these pose the greatest risk.
- Exploitability: Some vulnerabilities are easier for attackers to exploit than others. Prioritize those that can be used remotely or without authentication.
- Affected assets: Identify which systems or devices are affected. A vulnerability on a public-facing server is more urgent than one on an isolated workstation.
For example, if your scan shows a critical vulnerability in your web server software, this should take priority over a low-risk issue on an internal printer.
Taking time to review the report carefully helps you avoid wasting resources on minor problems while leaving serious gaps open.
Prioritizing Fixes Based on Risk and Impact
Not all vulnerabilities are equally dangerous, and your resources are limited. You need a clear way to decide what to fix first.
- Focus on business-critical systems: Protect systems that handle sensitive data, customer information, or financial transactions.
- Consider the potential impact: A vulnerability that could lead to data theft or system downtime should be addressed before one that causes minor inconvenience.
- Balance quick wins and long-term fixes: Some issues can be resolved quickly with patches or configuration changes, while others require more planning.
Create a simple risk matrix to rank vulnerabilities by likelihood and impact. This helps your team focus on the most urgent problems and plan for others over time.
For instance, patching a critical vulnerability in your email server might prevent phishing attacks, while scheduling a firmware update for network equipment can be planned for later.
Building a Clear Action Plan
Once you know what to fix and when, develop a step-by-step plan to close your security gaps. A good action plan includes:
- Specific tasks: Define what needs to be done, such as applying patches, changing passwords, or updating firewall rules.
- Responsible team members: Assign clear ownership so everyone knows their role.
- Deadlines: Set realistic timelines to keep progress on track.
- Verification steps: Plan follow-up scans or tests to confirm fixes are effective.
Documenting your plan ensures accountability and helps track improvements over time.
For example, your plan might include patching all critical servers within one week, followed by a scan to verify the fixes, then scheduling monthly vulnerability scans going forward.
Turning Insights into Stronger Security Investments
Vulnerability scans reveal where your defenses are weak, but they also highlight opportunities to improve your overall security strategy.
- Invest in training: Many vulnerabilities result from human error. Training employees on security best practices reduces risks.
- Upgrade outdated systems: If scans repeatedly show issues with old software or hardware, consider investing in newer, more secure technology.
- Implement layered security: Use firewalls, antivirus, intrusion detection, and encryption together to protect your network.
- Plan for regular scans: Security is ongoing. Schedule scans monthly or quarterly to catch new vulnerabilities early.
For example, a small business might find that outdated operating systems cause many vulnerabilities. Investing in updated systems and staff training can reduce risks significantly.
Maintaining Security Over Time
Security is not a one-time project. After addressing current vulnerabilities, keep your defenses strong by:
- Monitoring alerts and logs: Watch for unusual activity that could indicate an attack.
- Updating software regularly: Apply patches as soon as they are available.
- Reviewing policies and procedures: Ensure your security policies stay relevant as your business changes.
- Engaging experts when needed: Consider hiring security consultants for complex issues or audits.
Regularly revisiting your security posture helps prevent new vulnerabilities from going unnoticed.
