Vulnerability Management
Proactive risk prioritization allows organizations to focus on what matters
The Challenge
Threats are evolving — security must, too.
Modern organizations face the threat of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, compounded by the ongoing effects of digital disruption. Many of the innovations that catalyze valuable growth — including AI, machine learning, and the IoT — also elevate the frequency and scale at which cyberattacks may occur. While the shift toward cloud computing mitigates certain legacy threats to network security, it also presents companies with new types of vulnerabilities.
Vulnerability management is a process of assessing and identifying gaps in systems, networks, and data management. It involves taking measures to mitigate those gaps based on the organization’s unique security and risk tolerance.
Information security risks can come from physical and cyber infrastructures, networks, and applications. Organizations tasked with developing comprehensive security solutions can quickly find themselves overwhelmed. Many often fall into the trap of treating vulnerability management as a one-time assessment, rather than a continuous effort. Across sectors, companies of all sizes and shapes would benefit from implementing a robust vulnerability management framework that enables ongoing monitoring and solutions implementation.
Organizations are often unsure where to start, as vulnerability management requires a systematic approach backed by cross-departmental collaboration and broad-based buy-in. Further, they may not have the resources or knowledge base needed to prioritize vulnerabilities based on risk. Without both technological expertise and a breadth of experience in change management and project management, organizations struggle to define relevant risks and implement an effective mitigation plan. To truly execute a successful vulnerability management transformation also demands integration and alignment with other IT priorities, strategy & operations, and top-line business objectives.
CASE STUDY
North American Service Organization
SEI was engaged to perform a rapid assessment of a service company’s vulnerability and patch management processes and develop strategic roadmaps for program improvement. After a comprehensive review and gap assessment, we not only developed a roadmap designed to move the client’s program to a new maturity level, but also designed a suite of robust process implementation plans.
Our Approach
Create and deploy security blueprints that drive critical KPIs.
SEI helps clients identify and prioritize risks by conducting network scans and developing clear initiatives for risk monitoring, acceptance, and mitigation. We collaborate with clients to assess their existing security frameworks, prioritize risks based on level of threat and potential impact, and design detailed, actionable roadmaps that reduce vulnerabilities and elevate business functionality.
We know that addressing organizational risks requires more than effective patching and configuration changes. That’s why we begin every vulnerability management transformation with a full assessment of a company’s existing security protocols. We conduct interviews with in-house experts and executives to provide an independent evaluation of a client’s security framework.
Most importantly, our consultants know that companies need a vulnerability management system tailored to their size, industry, and specific KPIs. As such, our consultants work hand-in-hand with clients to outline detailed strategies for their new vulnerability management programs, complete with clearly defined benchmarks and timelines. Where other firms might end with strategy, we help integrate new systems with critical platforms and processes. Finally, we ensure clients’ long-term success by coaching them on how to lead ongoing change management efforts, train employees, be good stewards of their networks, and maintain the integrity of their infrastructure in the long run.
As a trusted partner, we not only provide support on strategic and advisory fronts, but on deployment, integration, and back-end training. We offer leadership so organizations can focus on what matters most: growing their business.
CASE STUDY
Auto, Electrical, and Industrial Parts Distributor
After multiple M&As, a global parts distributor needed a centralized solution to integrate vulnerability management data. SEI led key initiatives for vulnerability scanning and security operations. We implemented a security dashboard that collected data from multiple sources and provided a consolidated picture of their overall risk posture.
The Results
Mitigate your risk while achieving elevated business functionality.
Vulnerability management is a continuous process of improvement, prevention, and monitoring. At SEI, we know that the success of new programs relies on ongoing commitment. We not only work with clients to design and implement vulnerability management frameworks — we provide ongoing support to ensure that new training programs, software, and operational changes actually achieve clients’ desired results.
With a robust, well-supported vulnerability management program in place, organizations are equipped not only to mitigate cybersecurity risks, but to capitalize on the flexibility and freedom enabled by proactive identification, protection, prioritization, and decision practices. With the knowledge that they are protecting their networks and critical assets proactively, organizations gain back lost time and resources, elevating productivity in other key business areas. As a result, they see improved top-line performance and higher rates of growth.
Successful information security transformation is measured over time, so at SEI, we follow up to ensure that every client is reaping long-term business value from their fortified vulnerability management programs. With our ongoing management support, clients see consistent, tangible benefits year after year.
CASE STUDY
North American Service Conglomerate
SEI was engaged to make overall improvements to the vulnerability and patch management program at a large North American service conglomerate. Our consultants led initiatives in vulnerability scanning and detection, asset discovery and inventory management, as well as reporting and remediations. The client saw critical improvements, including reduced security incidents and full compliance on its next audit.