¶ Introduction
In today's digital landscape, networks are at the core of every organization's operations. Protecting the integrity and security of the Local Area Network (LAN) is paramount. LAN vulnerability scanning is a proactive security measure that identifies and mitigates vulnerabilities within the LAN environment. We explore the benefits and key features of LAN vulnerability scanning, offering a comprehensive overview of how it helps organizations secure their networks. We also provide guidelines on configuring and performing LAN vulnerability scan with within Exium's SASE solution.
¶ The Challenge
LANs are vulnerable to a wide range of security threats, including:
- Security Flaws: Unpatched or misconfigured devices can introduce security vulnerabilities.
- Malware and Intrusions: LANs can become breeding grounds for malware and unauthorized access.
- Compliance Requirements: Organizations must meet industry and regulatory standards for network security.
- Resource Protection: Ensuring the security of critical data, applications, and devices within the LAN is vital.
¶ The Solution: LAN Vulnerability Scan
A LAN vulnerability scan is a systematic process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating vulnerabilities within a LAN. It offers several key benefits:
Vulnerability Discovery: The scan identifies vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and potential security weaknesses across devices and software on the LAN.
Risk Mitigation: Once vulnerabilities are identified, organizations can prioritize and address them, reducing the risk of exploitation.
Compliance Alignment: LAN vulnerability scans help organizations align with industry-specific regulations and standards, such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR.
Resource Protection: By addressing vulnerabilities proactively, organizations protect critical resources, data, and applications.
¶ Key Features of Exium's LAN Vulnerability Scan
Exium offers LAN Vulnerability scan as an “on-demand” capability delivering the features below:
- Automated Scanning: LAN vulnerability scans automatically and continuously scan the network for vulnerabilities.
- Vulnerability Assessment: Identifies vulnerabilities in devices, software, and configurations.
- Prioritization: Ranks vulnerabilities by severity, allowing organizations to address the most critical issues first.
- Compliance Reporting: Provides detailed reports for compliance purposes, demonstrating alignment with industry and regulatory standards.
- Real-time Alerts: Sends alerts for critical vulnerabilities, enabling rapid response to emerging threats.
- Scalability: Adapts to LANs of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.
¶ Enabling LAN Vulnerability Scan in the Multi Interface Cyber Gateway
Exium's Multi Interface Cyber gateway initially supports only IDS features.
To enable “LAN Vulnerability Scan” for a Cyber Gateway deployment, follow the steps below.
- Navigate to the MSP admin console -> Client Workspace
- Click on Sites → CyberGateways in the left menu bar → Add Gateway if deploying a new CGW
- If this is for a new cyber gateway deployment, follow the instructions for Multiple interface CGW deployment
- For updating existing CyberGateway click on CyberGateway in list to update configuration
- Please select “LAN vulnerability Scan” to yes to enable LAN Vulnerability Scan
- click “Save/Update” to update configuration. If this configuration is updated after CyberGateway deployment, this update will be in CyberGateway in 3 ~5 mins. Please note there will service disruption for few mins during this update.
LAN Scan runs every Sunday midnight and report will be available on ‘LAN vulnerability scan’ UI to download it.
¶ Access LAN vulnerability scan UI
To Access Vulnerability scan UI, token is needed. This token can be generated Cybergateway terminal
- SSH to CyberGateway terminal or Access Cloud shell
- run command “cgw get-scan-ui-token”
- copy token and paste on UI to access the Scan UI
¶ Run Scan
Scan runs weekly once and reports will be available on vulnerability scan web UI to download. However, if you want to run scan , Please do following
- SSH to CyberGateway terminal or Access Cloud shell
- run command “cgw start-lan-scan”
¶ Conclusion
LAN vulnerability scanning is a critical component of network security. It helps organizations identify and mitigate vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers, safeguard critical resources, and maintain compliance with industry and regulatory standards. By adopting a proactive approach to LAN security, organizations can enhance their overall network protection and resilience.
To learn more about implementing LAN vulnerability scanning for your organization and explore tailored solutions that meet your unique requirements, contact Exium at hello@exium.net for a consultation or demonstration.