Page 156 - Cyber Defense eMagazine Annual RSA Edition for 2024

• CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog: The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security
Agency (CISA) prioritizes critical vulnerabilities actively exploited by attackers. By automating
notifications based on keywords like the software name in this list, you can focus your patching
efforts on the most pressing threats.

Layer 2: Human Vigilance for a Holistic View

• Staying Informed: Don't underestimate the power of human vigilance. Subscribing to industry
publications and security blogs can keep you updated on the latest vulnerabilities and exploit
trends.
• Security Reviews: Conduct periodic reviews of your software inventory to identify and assess
third-party components. This allows you to not only identify the software you're using but also
understand their version numbers and any known vulnerabilities associated with those specific
versions.

By combining automated systems to gather information efficiently with human vigilance to stay informed
about the broader security landscape, you create a robust defense system. This allows you to not only
identify potential vulnerabilities but also prioritize patching efforts based on criticality and exploit trends.

Implementing Comprehensive Vulnerability Management Strategies in Everyday Practices

The strategies discussed so far equip you with the knowledge to identify vulnerabilities in third-party
software. But how do you translate this knowledge into actionable steps within your organization?

Here's how to integrate vulnerability tracking into your daily practices:

1. Develop a Vulnerability Management Policy:

Think of this policy as your security blueprint. It should clearly outline a structured approach to managing
vulnerabilities in third-party software. Key aspects to include:

• Identification Procedures: Define the methods for identifying vulnerabilities, such as utilizing
vulnerability databases, vendor security mailing lists, and CISA alerts.
• Prioritization Framework: Establish a system for prioritizing vulnerabilities based on factors like
severity, exploitability, and the criticality of the affected software.
• Patching Procedures: Outline the process for acquiring and deploying patches for identified
vulnerabilities. This might involve defining timelines, assigning responsibilities, and testing
procedures to ensure patch compatibility.
• Reporting Requirements: Specify how identified vulnerabilities and patching actions should be
documented and reported.

2. Regular Security Reviews:

Schedule periodic reviews of your software inventory, not unlike taking stock of your physical assets.
Here's how to make these reviews effective:

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