What is Vulnerability Management?
Vulnerability Management is the process of identifying, assessing, prioritising and remediating vulnerabilities (Security flaws) in systems, applications, networks or devices.
The aim is to prevent attackers from exploiting known weaknesses in your IT or OT environment.
🔍 What are vulnerabilities?
Vulnerabilities can include:
- Outdated software with known bugs
- Unpatched firmware in PLCs or HMIs
- Weak passwords or configuration errors
- Unauthorised open ports or services
- Known exploits with assigned CVE numbers
🔁 Steps in the Vulnerability Management process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Inventory | Identify all systems, applications and devices (Asset Management) |
| 2. Scanning | Run (automated) scans with tools to detect vulnerabilities |
| 3. Assessment | Determine the impact and likelihood of exploitation (risk analysis) |
| 4. Prioritisation | Use CVSS scores and business impact to determine the order of action |
| 5. Remediation or mitigation | Patch, configure or apply compensating controls |
| 6. Monitor & report | Keep track of status, trends and improvements over time |
🛠 Tools for Vulnerability Management
- For IT: Nessus, Qualys, Rapid7, OpenVAS
- For OT/ICS: Nozomi Networks, Tenable.OT, Dragos, Claroty
- For CVE management: NIST NVD, MITRE CVE database
🧱 In OT environments
In OT, patching is often more difficult due to:
- Production stops or Real-time processes
- Untested updates for SCADA, PLC, RTU or MES
- Risk of compatibility problems
That is why compensating controls are also important:
- Zones and conduits model and Firewalls
- Read-only access to Historian or Cloud
- Segmentation via DMZ, Jump Server and Defense in Depth
🔐 Relevance to standards
Vulnerability Management is mandatory or recommended in:
- ISO 27001 and ISO 27002
- IEC 62443 for industrial security
- NIS2 / Cybersecurity Act
- BIO (Dutch government standard)
📌 In summary
Vulnerability Management is a continuous process for identifying and remediating vulnerabilities in your IT and OT landscape, so you minimise cyber risks and meet security standards.