Absence of Monthly Vulnerability Scanning and Remediation
Severity Level: Priority 3
Category: IT Security / Vulnerability Management
Description:
The organization does not conduct monthly vulnerability scanning or patching, leaving systems exposed to known vulnerabilities.
Impact:
- Increased risk of exploitation from unpatched vulnerabilities.
- Non-compliance with vulnerability management standards, risking penalties.
- Potential data breaches and operational disruptions.
- Reputational damage from security incidents.
FFIEC Reference:
- FFIEC IT Examination Handbook (November 2016):
- “Regular vulnerability scanning and patching are required to mitigate risks.” (p. 19)
- “Institutions must prioritize vulnerabilities based on severity.” (p. 20)
Recommendations:
- Deploy Scanning Tools: Implement monthly vulnerability scanning solutions.
- Establish Patching Schedule: Create a process for timely patching of identified vulnerabilities.
- Prioritize Risks: Evaluate vulnerabilities based on severity and impact.
- Audit Compliance: Conduct regular audits to ensure scanning and patching adherence.