How Often Should You Run A Network Vulnerability Scan?

A network vulnerability scan can be a powerful way to identify holes in your cyber security strategy and take action to patch and fix them, preventing data loss. But how often should you be running a network vulnerability scan? Find out everything you need to know in this blog from West County Computers.

What Is A Network Vulnerability Scan?

A network vulnerability scan uses an automated scanning software or device to look at every part of your IT systems, including computers, websites, servers, software, and other such systems.

This tool examines your network and all of its components, probing and looking for common security flaws and vulnerabilities. When it completes its scan, it compares its findings with a large, specialized database of known security issues.

Then, you can get recommendations on how to seal up these security problems, patch your systems, and maintain your IT network to minimize your vulnerability to cyber-attacks and unauthorized access to your data.

You Should Run A Network Vulnerability Scan At Least Once Per Month

So, how often should a network vulnerability scan be run at your company? Some companies choose to run quarterly scans on their information to meet compliance requirements – such as PCI (Payment Card Industry) scans. Quarterly scans are required to comply with many data security compliance standards.

But in fact, quarterly scans are not always enough. Think about how much can change in your company – and your IT infrastructure – in three months. If you do not run periodic network vulnerability scans, you could have serious security flaws in your systems for weeks – or months.

So at West County Computers, we highly recommend that you avoid quarterly scans, and instead perform monthly network vulnerability scans. This ensures that you have a better chance of catching major security flaws before they can be exploited by hackers and other malicious actors.

Need Help With IT Security & Network Vulnerability Scans? Contact Us Today!

At West County Computers, we specialize in helping small-to-medium-sized businesses in Santa Rosa get the IT security services they need. If you want to lock down your company’s sensitive data, a network vulnerability scan is a great place to start. So don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at 707-360-8652 to get the help you need, lock down your data, and protect yourself from the risks and liability associated with data loss.

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