If you start to think about security when something goes wrong, you are too late. Vulnerability testing assists you in finding the weak areas of your systems before hackers. But many organizations never know when to conduct such tests. Timing is everything, and the appropriate times are usually associated with the following:

After major system or infrastructure changes

A vulnerability test is necessary whenever you undertake any substantial changes within your IT environment. This involves:

• Installation of new servers
• Cloud migration
• Introduction of new applications
• Revision of network settings. 

Even minor modifications may add some misconfigurations or expose services accidentally.

When systems change, previous security assumptions are no longer relevant. The post change assessment can assist in fixing the new components and aligning them with your current controls.

Pre- and post-external audits

A vulnerability assessment is a good idea if your organization is about to undergo an external audit or compliance review. Numerous regulatory systems and requirements require organizations to show proactive risk management, rather than reactive controls.

A vulnerability assessment before an audit enables you to spot and fix problems early. Otherwise, you will find them when the audit is in progress. Follow-up assessments assist in determining whether remediation measures proved to be effective and did not present any additional weaknesses after the audit.

After a security incident or near miss

Have you encountered a security incident or even a close call? This is a sure indication that you need to examine your environment. Incidents tend to expose underlying weaknesses, which might not be seen at a glance.

Post-incident vulnerability assessment assists you in knowing whether the problem was a one-off event or a bigger problem. It also helps you combat related risks before the attackers strike once again.

During business growth

Positive growth increases your attack surface as well. This may include:

• Recruiting additional employees
• Expanding to new venues
• Third-party appointment
• Expanding the digital offerings, etc.

These periods present new risks.

With the increased growth of your organization, systems are more complicated and difficult to track informally. Periodic vulnerability testing at the growth points should ensure that security is implemented in line with the growth.

When introducing new third parties or integrations 

The tools used by the third parties, APIs, and service providers can become vulnerable in your environment. It is important to evaluate the effects of such connections on your security before integrating them completely.

Vulnerability assessment will give you the idea of whether the new integrations will reveal sensitive data or open up unintentional access routes.

On a routine, scheduled basis

Vulnerability assessments are too good to be ignored, even without any big events or incidents in your regular security program. The threats change over time. Vulnerabilities that were not present half a year ago might be present today.

Most organizations carry out quarterly or annual assessments based on their risk profile and required regulations. Having a routine also means you are not making old assumptions regarding your security standing.

The bottom line

A vulnerability assessment is always done best when nothing has gone wrong. When planned and performed in time, it is a viable measure to safeguard the operations of your organization, reputation, and long-term viability.