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