I just got access to a new SIEM tool that includes a vulnerability scanner, which is a requirement for our cyber insurance this year. We've deployed the agent across all our machines and are setting up to scan internal assets like switches and printers. But now I'm panicking because the agent is reporting thousands of vulnerabilities from my Windows, Mac, and Linux machines. I'm shocked to see CVEs like Log4j and even a few with a CVSS score of 10! We usually keep our patching up to date, typically installing OS updates within a week or two, so I'm at a loss. I'm not sure if I should tackle this by focusing on the newest vulnerabilities, the oldest ones (some date back to 1988!), or those with the highest CVE scores. My company has automated patching processes for OS and third-party apps. Any guidance on how to manage this overwhelming task would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Remember, you can never fix every vulnerability completely. Focus on critical ones, but also don't ignore the common issues that have readily available patches or updates. Make sure to document what you address, as this can help you build a case for maintenance windows with your management. You won’t get everything done immediately, and that's totally fine. This is an ongoing journey in securing your environment!
When handling this many vulnerabilities, prioritization is key. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed! Start with vulnerabilities that are marked critical or are publicly exploited. Look for common vulnerabilities that have had patches available for some time so you can knock off those easily. The scanner often gives a priority rating, which helps show what’s trending in regards to attacks – utilizing that can guide your focus! And don’t sweat it too much, it’s all about chipping away at it gradually. You got this!
Exactly! Focus on what's actively being exploited and keep addressing those. The numbers you see now won't vanish overnight, but making a plan can really help!
First things first, take a breath! It helps to categorize your assets by how critical they are to your business. Start with remote vulnerabilities before moving to local ones. Check if the vulnerabilities listed are even relevant. Some scanners only check the version of software and not if patches were applied, so you might be seeing 'false positives.' Look into the details of each CVE; often, remediation is just about updating software or deleting obsolete files.
Great advice! I found that hotfixes can sometimes address several vulnerabilities at once. It's definitely worthwhile doing your homework before getting too stressed.
And also keep an eye on things reported by your scanner; sometimes the focus can shift due to system policy, like outdated office software remaining flagged due to installations not updating correctly!