Top 6 Key Components of Intranet Vulnerability Assessment

As organizations rely heavily on internal networks for seamless operations, securing these intranets from potential threats is paramount. The Intranet Vulnerability Assessment serves as a vital tool in identifying and documenting vulnerabilities that may be exploited by internal members, affiliates, or automated attack vectors.

In this article, we explore into the intricacies of Intranet Vulnerability Assessments, exploring the steps involved in the process and highlighting the unique considerations for safeguarding internal networks.

Key Components of Intranet Vulnerability Assessment

1. Planning, Scheduling, and Notification of Penetration Testing:

In contrast to Internet vulnerability assessments, intranet testing often involves a multitude of devices within even a moderately sized network. Organizations must be mindful of the extensive results and analysis required, understanding that every hour of scanning results in two to three hours of analysis.

Notifications to intranet support teams are essential to mitigate disruptions during invasive penetration testing. Unlike Internet testing, intranet administrators may prefer testing during working hours to diagnose and recover from disruptions promptly.

2. Target Selection:

The starting point for intranet scans is the network characterization data stored in the risk, threat, and attack database. Due to the abundance of potential targets, a selective approach is necessary. Initial focus should be on the most valuable and critical systems. As the configuration of these systems improves, the target list expands.

Eventually, equilibrium is reached to scan and analyze as many systems as possible with available resources.

3. Test Selection:

Intranet vulnerability assessments typically use less stringent criteria compared to Internet scanning. The testing evolves alongside the perceived intranet threat environment. Organizations initially concentrate on a few critical vulnerabilities, gradually expanding the test pool. The willingness to accept risk during scanning affects test script selection.

If disruptions to critical internal systems are a concern, alternative means to confirm safety from vulnerabilities should be prioritized.

4. Scanning:

Intranet scanning mirrors the process used for Internet scanning, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring to report and repair disruptions caused by invasive penetration testing.

5. Analysis:

Despite differences in targets and tested vulnerabilities, intranet scan analysis follows the same three steps as Internet analysis: classify, validate, and document. The objective is to identify and understand the nature of vulnerabilities within the internal network.

6. Record Keeping:

Identical to Internet vulnerability analysis, record keeping is crucial for effective reporting and follow-up. Organizations can streamline processes by sharing databases, reports, and procedures used for both internal and external vulnerability assessments.

Conclusion

Intranet Vulnerability Assessments are pivotal in maintaining the security of internal networks. By adapting the common assessment processes used for external networks and applying difference analysis, organizations can systematically identify and document vulnerabilities.

The information collected during the assessment phase serves as the foundation for the remediation stage, ensuring that internal networks remain resilient against potential threats.

As organizations continue to navigate the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, a comprehensive approach to vulnerability assessments remains essential for safeguarding the core of their digital infrastructure.

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