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Network Vulnerability Assessment

What Does Network Vulnerability Assessment Mean?

A network vulnerability assessment is the process of reviewing and analyzing a computer network for possible security vulnerabilities and loopholes.

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It is used by network administrators to evaluate the security architecture and defense of a network against possible vulnerabilities and threats.

Techopedia Explains Network Vulnerability Assessment

A network vulnerability assessment helps network administrators or network security staff to assess the security strength of a particular network. The key objective of this assessment is to find any vulnerabilities that can compromise the overall security, privacy and operations of the network.

A network vulnerability assessment is a broad process that includes tasks such as:

  • Security control check
  • Identifying, quantifying and prioritizing network threats
  • Router/Wi-Fi password analysis
  • Reviewing network strength against network-based attacks such as:
    • Distributed denial of service (DDoS)
    • Man-in-the-middle attack (MITM)
    • Network intrusion
  • Device-level security analysis (router, switch, computer)
  • Scanning for known and potential threats and vulnerabilities

When a network vulnerability assessment is performed, it serves as an input to network/information security policy and associated security products. It is generally done through a combination of automated network vulnerability scanning tools and technical judgment of security staff. Once completed, the assessment recommends a strategy of action to mitigate and resolve the identified vulnerabilities.

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