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Organizations need a resilient security infrastructure to address evolving cyber threats. Learn vulnerability management tools and principles with courses delivered through edX.
What is vulnerability management?
Vulnerability management is the ongoing process of identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in a computer system, network, or software application. It aims to minimize the attack surface, maintain security, and protect an enterprise from cyberattacks.1 Cybersecurity professionals use vulnerability management services with other security tools to strengthen the IT infrastructure.
A vulnerability management lifecycle can include the following stages:2
Vulnerability assessment and discovery using scanning tools
Prioritization based on the severity and exploitability
Resolution through remediation, mitigation, or acceptance
Reassessment to check if the resolution worked
Reporting to monitor the performance of vulnerability management programs over time
The goal of the vulnerability management process is a proactive resolution of potential security loopholes in a system before hackers can exploit them and cause serious damage. It also helps organizations to minimize downtime and ensure compliance with security regulations.3
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Vulnerability management course curriculum
Vulnerability management is a critical part of the cybersecurity of an organization. Learners interested in this field will need a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles. For those who are just starting out, an introductory vulnerability management course may cover topics such as:
Cybersecurity fundamentals
Common types of vulnerabilities
Basics of the vulnerability management process
Popular cyber defense tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDSs), and security information and event management (SIEM) systems
The vulnerability assessment lifecycle
Vulnerability scanners like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and OpenVAS
Vulnerability management platforms
After they have developed foundational knowledge, learners can move on to an intermediate or advanced vulnerability management tutorial, which can include lessons on:
Malware and advanced persistent threats (APTs)
Risk-based vulnerability management
Network security processes, including intrusion detection, evidence collection, network auditing, and contingency planning against critical threats
Automation of vulnerability management efforts using programming and scripts such as Bash scripts
Formulation and implementation of network security policy
Digital forensics
Are you interested in advancing your knowledge of cybersecurity? edX offers online courses that allow learners to study a variety of topics. Sign up for an accelerated boot camp or enroll in a full degree program and start working toward a bachelor's degree or (for more advanced learners) a master’s degree in a relevant subject. You can also explore executive education programs specifically designed for busy professionals.
Explore vulnerability management jobs
An understanding of vulnerability management can enable you to pursue roles in the field of cybersecurity, including:
Cybersecurity manager: Leads a team of IT security professionals to protect the information system of an enterprise and prevent cyberattacks. They design and implement security strategies, train other team members, and monitor the overall security performance.4
Network engineer: Works on the security of enterprise networks to protect against any loss of sensitive data and prevent malware or phishing attacks. They ensure that the network is secure and that only authenticated users can access it in a safe way.5
Cybersecurity consultant: Works with enterprises to analyze their risk level and take steps to protect their user accounts, data, network, and other information systems from potential cyberattacks. They work with IT teams to plan, develop, and implement the right security practices.6
Vulnerability assessment analyst: Works in the IT security team of an enterprise to do regular security testing and monitor the network in real time for any potential threats. They are responsible for identifying vulnerabilities in the complete information system comprising critical assets, enterprise applications, and infrastructure.7
These specialized roles generally require a good understanding of networking concepts, system administration, and popular cybersecurity tools. edX offers cybersecurity boot camps to help you develop specialized knowledge in these areas. You can also enroll in coding boot camps to learn programming languages like Python, Java, or PowerShell that can help you automate vulnerability scans and analysis processes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is vulnerability management?. IBM. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
What is vulnerability management?. IBM. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
What is Vulnerability Management?. Microsoft Security. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
How To Become a Cybersecurity Manager. (2023). Indeed. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
What Is a Network Engineer? Definition, Duties and Skills. (2022). Indeed. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
How To Become a Security Consultant in 5 Steps. (2023). Indeed. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
What is a vulnerability assessment (vulnerability analysis)?. TechTarget. Retrieved May 16, 2023.