8 Steps to Performing a Network Vulnerability Assessment

Did you know that more than 200,000 security vulnerabilities have already been recorded worldwide through 2025? And the worst part is that the list keeps growing. Thousands of new threats appear every year, and with so many different ways to attack a network, it's no surprise that cybercrime continues to rise.

The good news is that you don't have to rely on luck. Detecting a vulnerability early can save you a big scare (or a total crisis). Because even if you have super-secure systems, no environment is completely invulnerable.

That's why regular vulnerability assessments are no longer “optional” or exclusive to giant companies. They are a key practice for any business that wants to keep its data and operations safe. In this article, we'll tell you how to do it in eight practical and easy-to-follow steps, even if you don't know much about cybersecurity. 

What is a vulnerability assessment?

A vulnerability assessment is basically a comprehensive security check to detect weak points in your system infrastructure. It's like giving your network and equipment a technical overhaul, but with a total focus on security.

This process serves to identify, prioritize, and correct flaws that could be exploited by attackers. It also helps you better understand how secure your physical and digital environment is, from servers to connected devices.

In summary, the main objective of a vulnerability assessment can be divided into three key points:

1. Detect all vulnerabilities that may exist (even those you didn't know were there).

2. Document them well, so you can track and fix them in the future.

3. Provide clarity to technical and development teams on what needs to be improved or reinforced.

Ideally, this type of assessment should be done on a regular basis, especially when you install new equipment, open ports, or implement new services. It is also extremely useful for preventing attacks that can exploit:

1. Common flaws such as injection attacks (XSS, SQL, etc.)

2. Weak passwords or poorly protected default settings

3. Malware and malicious software

4. Faulty authentication systems

5. Unencrypted sensitive data
   
   
   

For companies that handle sensitive information (such as banks, government agencies, or healthcare centers), these assessments are not only recommended: they are necessary. They can make the difference between detecting a breach in time or finding out when it is already too late.

Read more: Patch Management vs. Vulnerability Management

Types of vulnerability assessments

Not all vulnerabilities are the same, which is why there are different types of assessments. Each one focuses on a specific part of the system, and it is common for a company to need to combine several to get a complete picture of its security.

Host assessment

This assessment focuses on key network equipment: servers, computers, workstations, etc. It is like thoroughly checking each machine to see if it is missing updates, has poor configuration, or has unapplied patches. It goes beyond simple port scanning: it checks the internal “health” of the equipment.

Network assessment

Here the focus is on the entire infrastructure: cables, routers, switches, connections. The aim is to detect faults that could affect the entire network, whether wired or wireless. This is essential to prevent attacks that seek vulnerabilities in communication between devices.

Wireless assessment

This thoroughly analyzes your Wi-Fi and all access points. Often, open or poorly configured networks become a gateway for attacks. It also verifies that everything is encrypted and that there are no unauthorized “ghost” access points.

Database assessment

Databases are often the treasure trove of any organization. This assessment reviews how they are configured, whether they have errors, unnecessary access, or vulnerabilities such as SQL injections. It also helps locate and protect sensitive data, especially personal data.

Application assessment

If you have web applications, this assessment is key. It reviews everything from the source code to the behavior of the site, looking for common errors such as broken configurations, poorly installed software, or entries that could be exploited by attackers. It is usually done with automated tools that scan the entire app environment.

Network Vulnerability Analysis: 8 Essential Steps

1. Risk Identification and Analysis

The first critical step is to identify all IT assets within the company's information system. This includes servers, workstations, mobile devices, routers, applications, among others. Once this inventory has been compiled, it is essential to analyze the potential risks for each asset. This phase allows you to anticipate possible attack vectors and establish priorities based on the criticality of the asset.

2. Development of Vulnerability Analysis Policies

Every assessment must be backed by a formal policy that defines the scope, frequency, and responsibilities of vulnerability analysis. This policy must be clear, documented, and approved by senior management. In addition, an official owner of the procedure must be assigned, who will be responsible for its correct application and updating.

3. Identification of the Type of Scan

It is crucial to select the most appropriate type of scan according to the objectives of the assessment. The main types of scans include:

1. Network scan: to identify exposed devices and services.

2. Host-based: focused on individual systems.

3. Wireless scan: to detect vulnerabilities in Wi-Fi networks.

4. Applications: security analysis of web or mobile applications.

The choice depends on the environment and the software implemented.

4. Scan Configuration

Proper configuration maximizes the effectiveness of the scan. Key parameters include:

1. Target IP addresses

2. Port range and protocols

3. Scan aggressiveness level

4. Time windows for execution

5. Notifications to managers

The configuration must be specific enough to avoid false positives and minimize the impact on the network.

5. Scan Execution

With the configuration ready, the scan is executed using specialized tools. These tools identify system fingerprints, determine active services, and detect potential vulnerabilities. Collecting this information is essential to building a detailed security profile for each target.

6. Assessment of Risks Associated with the Scan

The operational risk that a scan can entail should not be underestimated. Some sensitive systems could be affected by the traffic load generated, causing crashes or slowdowns. Therefore, it is recommended to perform tests during low activity hours or in controlled environments, and always with the prior knowledge of the IT team.

7. Interpreting Results

Once the scan is complete, the vulnerabilities found must be prioritized. If a vulnerability has a publicly available exploit and is easy to exploit, it should be addressed urgently. On the other hand, less critical vulnerabilities can be scheduled for later mitigation. CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) metrics can be useful for this phase.

8. Remediation and Mitigation Plan

Finally, a concrete remediation and mitigation plan must be developed, including:

1. Software updates or patches

2. Changes to security settings

3. Implementation of compensating controls

This plan must be executed in coordination between the information security and IT operations teams, ensuring that corrective measures do not affect operational continuity.

Read more: What is patch management?

Conclusion

Conducting a vulnerability assessment is not only good practice, but a fundamental necessity for maintaining security and business continuity. By following these eight steps systematically, organizations can significantly reduce their attack surface and respond proactively to cyber threats. Ready to strengthen your network security?