What are Cyber Security Vulnerabilities & Most Common Security Vulnerabilities

What are Cyber Security Vulnerabilities?

Any flaw in a company's internal controls, system procedures, or information systems is considered a vulnerability in cyber security. Cyber criminals and hackers can target these vulnerabilities and exploit them through weaknesses.

Once cyber criminals have exploited a security vulnerability, they can execute malicious code, install malware, and even steal sensitive data. Therefore, vulnerabilities in networks need to be constantly checked because they can lead to the complete compromise of a company's systems.

Here are some examples of cyber security vulnerabilities:

• Missing data encryption
• Lack of security cameras
• Unlocked doors in businesses
• Unrestricted uploading of dangerous files
• Downloading code without integrity checks
• Use of broken algorithms
• URL redirection to untrusted websites
• Weak and unchanged passwords
• Websites without SSL

Examples of Cyber Security Vulnerabilities

There are several different types of vulnerabilities, determined by the infrastructure in which they are found. Vulnerabilities can be divided into six broad categories:

1. Hardware

In this type of vulnerability, the hardware of the product is susceptible to attacks resulting from natural factors such as humidity, dust accumulation, and any natural disaster. This leads to hardware failure and disruptions in daily operations. 

2. Software

In this type of vulnerability, the software is vulnerable to injection attacks such as SQL injections, XSS , cross-site scripting attacks, cross-site request forgery, memory safety violations, and all other vulnerabilities resulting from insufficient testing before release.

3. Network

In network vulnerabilities, exploitation occurs during data communication. Unprotected communication lines, man-in-the-middle attacks, insecure network architecture, lack of authentication, and default authentication can cause this type of vulnerability.

4. Employee

This is an example involving the employee who will use the product. Not following policies such as regularly changing passwords, scanning emails, and use of unauthorized devices can cause a security vulnerability in the system. 

5. Physical Space

This vulnerability originates from the physical office space that could be affected by any natural disaster or power outage. Examples include unauthorized access by personnel to office areas and systems, or theft of physical documents from the office.

6. Organization

These are cyber security vulnerabilities seen when there is a lack of plans for cyber security, failure to provide training to employees on this topic, and lack of audits.

What is the Difference Between Vulnerability and Risk?

Vulnerability refers to a weakness or flaw in a system, application, or process that a threat can exploit. For example, a code error detected in software, an unlocked door in a building, or unencrypted data are vulnerabilities. A vulnerability allows a potential attack to be successfully carried out.

Risk refers to the uncertainty or probability of something happening. Risk relates to both the existence of a vulnerability and the likelihood of it being exploited. For example, when a hacker discovers and exploits weak encryption in a financial system (vulnerability), the risk arises of financial data in the system being stolen (impact).

Cyber security risks are often classified as vulnerabilities. However, vulnerability and risk are not the same thing, and this can cause confusion. While a vulnerability indicates a weakness in a system, risk is the probability of that weakness being exploited by a threat and the potential harm that can result.

Causes of Cyber Security Vulnerabilities

There are numerous causes of vulnerabilities in cyber security. Among them are outdated software, design flaws, misconfiguration, unexpected errors such as testing and software bugs. Here are a few of them:

• Complexity: In complex systems, the likelihood of errors or unauthorized access increases.
• Connectivity: The probability of vulnerabilities existing in connected devices is higher. Avoiding connecting to multiple devices unnecessarily can be a solution to this situation.
• Password Management: Various data breaches can occur due to constantly using the same password in different accounts. It is important to regularly change passwords using strong password generators.
• Internet: Spyware and adware that can be automatically installed on computers are quite common on the internet. These can also cause cyber security vulnerabilities. 
• Operating System: Problems in operating systems can cause vulnerabilities. Operating systems that are not secure by default can be open to malware and viruses.
• Software Bugs: Developers can sometimes unintentionally create a vulnerability that can be exploited.

Common Types of Cyber Security Vulnerabilities

1. System Misconfigurations

Misconfigurations in networks can allow cyber criminals to exploit weaknesses. In the rapidly evolving digital world, it is critical to correctly configure security settings. Working with knowledgeable cyber security experts when implementing new technologies is necessary to prevent such errors.

2. Software Bugs

Software vulnerabilities occur when errors that can be exploited are accidentally left in the software by developers.

3. Outdated or Unpatched Software

Software that is not updated becomes vulnerable to cyber attacks. Hackers can target these unpatched systems to steal confidential data. To mitigate these risks, it is vital to establish a patch management strategy that ensures system updates are applied in a timely manner.

4. Missing or Weak Authorization Credentials

Attackers frequently use brute-force methods such as guessing employees' passwords to access systems and networks. Therefore, employees need to be informed to prevent login credentials from being easily misused.

5. Malicious Insider Threats

Employees who have access to systems can occasionally share data that allows hackers to infiltrate the network, either knowingly or unknowingly. In this case, detecting insider threats can be difficult. To counter these risks, network access control tools are often purchased.

6. Missing or Weak Data Encryption

During data transmission, missing or weak data encryption can lead to the leakage of sensitive information. If this data falls into the wrong hands, it can cause serious damage.

7. Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

Zero-day vulnerabilities include all vulnerabilities that have not yet been discovered by the organization but are known by attackers. Since there is no way to protect against them until an attack occurs, this is a serious attack. Being vigilant and checking systems for vulnerabilities is very important to reduce the risk of zero-day attacks.

What is Vulnerability Management?

The process of identifying, classifying, resolving, and mitigating vulnerabilities is known as vulnerability management. Vulnerability management consists of three basic components: 

✅ Vulnerability detection

✅ Vulnerability assessment

✅ Vulnerability remediation

1. Vulnerability Detection

Vulnerability detection is carried out using vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and Google hacking methods.

• Cyber Security Vulnerability Scanning: Vulnerability scanning is used to find vulnerabilities in computers, programs, or networks. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM), ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus, Rapid7 Nexpose, and TripWire IP 360 are some common vulnerability detection tools.
• Penetration Testing: Penetration testing is a controlled attack simulation conducted by authorized experts to identify vulnerabilities in a system. Manual or automated penetration testing is available.
• Google Hacking: Google hacking is a method of using search engines to identify vulnerabilities. It involves finding important information or data that has been inadvertently made public due to cloud service misconfiguration using search engines.

2. Vulnerability Assessment

Vulnerability assessment is the step after detecting vulnerabilities in cyber security. In this step, it is determined how dangerous the vulnerabilities can be for the company. 

3. Vulnerability Remediation

After determining the risk level of the vulnerability, it is necessary to eliminate the vulnerability. 

Cyber Security Career

Our lives are increasingly moving towards a virtual world with more networks. As networks become more complex, actively managing cyber security vulnerabilities becomes an important issue. 

To learn about these vulnerabilities, their effects, and how to fix them, you can check out our article on free cyber security trainings and cyber security certificates and start a suitable training for yourself.

If you want to specialize in cyber security but cannot decide what to do, you can check out our cyber security bootcamps and meet-ups, and ask your questions to cyber security experts in their field.