Why Continuous VAPT is necessary for SMEs?

Whether it’s a small and medium enterprise (SME) or a large enterprise – no one is spared when it comes to cyber-attacks. As long as vulnerabilities exist in the hardware, software, or any of the organization’s processes, there is always a risk of attack regardless of the size of the business. In-fact SMEs could pose as better targets for attackers as security is usually relaxed. Many times, SMEs find it difficult to fit vulnerability assessments such as VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) in their budgets, and many times they believe that hackers won’t bother about small businesses – both the notions may put your organization at great risk. However, although MNCs are a lucrative target, their systems are much more complex to gain access to. SMEs however has become an easier target.

So, whether a small business or large (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) VAPT in SMEs is important to check access and control parameters, enforce proper workflow, sequence check, and also check whether there are any loopholes in the authentication process. Many such key areas are analyzed and tested to ensure that there isn’t any part of the code or application or system that is exposed to be exploited.

VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) is a process to find security bugs within a software program or a computer network. The objective of a vulnerability assessment is to search and find bugs and penetration testing is performed to see whether the vulnerability exists by exploring and exploiting the system.

Many times, these two terms are used interchangeably, however, there are some fundamental differences between the two. Vulnerability assessment typically involves using automated testing tools such as security scanners to generate reports on a website, application, or network. For example, uncovering a bug, performing authenticated and unauthenticated vulnerability scans for operating systems, databases and web applications, etc. Lastly, it also covers content scanning for data that should not be stored on desktops. The results of these findings are evaluated and solutions are recommended.

Penetration testing is more goal-oriented and involves an authorized attempt by registered testers to exploit flaws and gain access to an organization’s data assets. It tries to mimic what would happen during an actual cyber-attack and attempts to disrupt normal operations. After this testing, a comprehensive report is prepared along with suggestions of how to remediate any known issues. Web applications, mobile applications, and networks are the most common areas that are covered for penetration testing.

Continuous vulnerability testing is an integral strategy for taking a proactive stance against cyber-crimes. It enables businesses to identify critical weaknesses and strengthen their security posture. It helps you create a comprehensive network map of your organization’s digital infrastructure and pinpoint areas of concern to take corrective action – proactively. In this method, testers essentially perform mock attacks to find vulnerabilities. It keeps your business one step ahead of the cybercriminals by revealing the risks that could be used to initiate attacks. With regular testing, your business will be compliant with multiple laws and regulations too.

Data breaches are a serious matter. Around 70% of customers say that they will stop doing business with a company that has experienced a data breach. It’s risky. It’s also a known fact the SMEs aren’t an exception to data breaches. 56% of the SMEs experience some form of cyber-attacks in any given year. Well, many times, these are irreversible damages and the ‘clean-up costs’ weigh more heavily than anything else. VAPT in SMEs is hence essential to understand their vulnerabilities and rectify them in time.

Cybercrimes will keep evolving and will get smarter. That’s why small business must tighten their security and outwit them. Businesses need to be meticulous and more diligent about security and take every possible precaution to mitigate the risk levels. It’s essential to stay on the offense and be prepared!

If you are looking for VAPT companies in Gujarat, contact ECS and our cybersecurity experts will be there to guide you. We are one of the leading VAPT service providers in India and have worked with many businesses from various industries to help them with security in the web, applications, and the underlying network.