When creating a vulnerability scanning schedule for a large network, what is an effective strategy?

Prioritizing systems and scanning the most critical first is an effective strategy when creating a vulnerability scanning schedule for a large network because it ensures that the most vulnerable and critical assets are assessed in a timely manner. In a large network, resources such as bandwidth and scanning technology may be limited, and attempting to scan all systems simultaneously can overwhelm the network and lead to missed vulnerabilities or inaccurate results. By focusing on the most critical systems first, organizations can address the higher-risk areas before moving on to less critical assets, thereby effectively managing risk.

This approach also allows for a more structured and efficient use of scanning resources, enabling the security team to concentrate their efforts where they are likely to have the greatest impact on overall network security. Furthermore, critical systems typically host sensitive data or essential services, making it imperative to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in those areas promptly.

Scheduling scans during off-peak hours can enhance the efficiency of the scanning process by reducing the load on the network, but it does not directly prioritize risk assessment. Scanning only systems that have reported issues misses potential vulnerabilities on other systems that haven't yet demonstrated a problem. Finally, scanning all systems simultaneously can lead to significant operational overhead and inefficiencies, making it an impractical strategy for large networks.