Step 4: Assess Vulnerabilities in Your Organization’s Systems and Processes

Step 4: Assess Vulnerabilities in Your Organization’s Systems and Processes

Identifying Weak Points

Once you understand your critical information and potential threats, the next step is to assess vulnerabilities. These are the weak points in your organization’s systems, processes, and people that could be exploited by adversaries.

Key Actions:

• Vulnerability Scanning: Use automated tools to scan your systems for known vulnerabilities, such as unpatched software or misconfigured firewalls.

• Manual Audits: In addition to automated scanning, conduct manual audits to look for potential human errors, such as weak passwords or improper access controls.

• Process Review: Review your operational processes to ensure they follow security best practices. For example, are employees following proper protocols for handling sensitive data?

Addressing these vulnerabilities is the next critical step in reducing the likelihood of a successful cyberattack.