What Is Vulnerability Scanning?
Vulnerability scanning is the automated process of finding known security weaknesses before attackers do. For UK SMEs, it provides a low-effort way to see what could be exploited across laptops, servers, cloud apps, and websites. Cyvex keeps the results non-technical so founders can prioritise fixes by business impact, not jargon.
Definition (plain English)
A vulnerability scan checks your technology against a database of known security flaws and misconfigurations, then reports what it finds.
Why SMEs need it
Small businesses are targeted because they move fast, have limited IT support, and often miss routine patching. Scanning gives you a simple, repeatable safety net.
What it does not do
Scanning does not prove you are breach-proof, and it does not replace penetration testing or incident response planning. It is your early-warning system, not a full security programme.
Common misconceptions
- “We use Microsoft 365, so we’re covered.”
- “It’s only for enterprises with big budgets.”
- “A one-off scan is enough.”
How often it should run
Continuous or weekly scans catch new risks as soon as they appear, especially after software updates, new hires, or supplier changes.
What happens if you don’t do it
Unpatched weaknesses linger unnoticed, which can lead to business email compromise, ransomware, or compliance penalties.
Quick answers (FAQ)
What is vulnerability scanning?
Vulnerability scanning is the automated process of identifying known security weaknesses in devices, applications, and cloud services so you can fix them before attackers exploit them.
Is vulnerability scanning the same as penetration testing?
No. Scanning finds known issues on a regular basis, while penetration testing simulates a human attacker to validate how far a breach could go.
How often should a small business run vulnerability scans?
For SMEs, continuous or at least weekly scanning is recommended, with extra scans after significant system changes.