Security Assessment: Security Audit, Vulnerability Assessment or Penetration Testing?
Introduction
Information Security Assessment IS IT Audit and VAPT is used as synonym for security measurement of an Information System. Although their goal is the same, they are quite different from one another. People are confused with the terms and unable to make the right decision in testing security of their organization. The purpose of Information Security Assessment IS IT Audit and VAPT is to check whether an organization is following the standards of security frameworks, policies, or procedures. This process includes technical assessment of the organization’s system using various security scans, conducting interviews, reviewing security controls, and observing security access.
Security Audit (IS IT Audit)
Security Audit is to check whether an organization is following the standards of security frameworks, policies, or procedures. This process include technical assessment of the organization’s system. By using various security scans, conducting interviews, reviewing security controls, and observing security access. Security audit is use to test and ensure all security standards. Which follow standard in order to secure the system. This assessment is usually manual, and done using surveys. It is the quickest, cheapest and easiest way to perform a security assessment.
Vulnerability Assessment (Security Assessment)
Vulnerability Assessment is the process of evaluating the ability of a system, application, security procedures or controls. To withstand the assault against existing vulnerabilities. This assessment focuses on finding vulnerabilities but does not provide any proof that they could be exploited. It also does not give any information on the potential damage caused by exploiting the vulnerabilities. However, this assessment is very effective on discovering vulnerabilities. Using automated tools makes this process easier and cost-effective. However, there are chances of getting “false positives”.
Penetration Testing (VAPT)
Penetration Testing is a kind of security assessment. Where the weaknesses in the system are exploit using various tools and techniques. Unlike in Security Audit and Vulnerability Assessment. The test actually demonstrate the weakness found in the system can be exploit. The testing simulates the real-world attacks and techniques. that a hacker may use to exploit the system. The testing is effective and accurate. However, this assessment takes a lot of time, effort, skilled manpower and hence, money. But, it provides the maximum Return on Investment (ROI) in security assessment.
Conclusion
Depending upon the requirements, an organization may choose Security Audit, Vulnerability Assessment, and/or Penetration Testing and the frequency of assessment. As all these types of assessments have their own significance and are not substitutes of one another.
