In today’s world, the name of the game is efficiency. Organizations are constantly looking for ways to make their operations more efficient and productive. When it comes to IT asset discovery, most businesses have gotten into a habit of using manual methods. Or off-the-shelf software solutions that don’t address all of their issues and concerns.
IT asset discovery is a crucial process that enables organizations to identify and manage their hardware and software assets. It involves scanning a network to identify all connected devices and mapping their locations. Also, it includes and collecting information about their configurations and software versions. However, you must also be aware of risks associated with IT discovery and how to stay ahead of them.
Why IT discovery is crucial for vulnerability management?
Risks associated with IT discovery
While IT asset discovery can help organizations improve their security posture, there are also several risks associated with this process that need to be considered.
Data Privacy Risks
When conducting IT asset discovery, organizations collect sensitive information about their devices. For instance, such as IP addresses, device names, software versions, and configurations.
This information can be a treasure trove for hackers. Hence, if it falls into the wrong hands, it can lead to serious data breaches and privacy violations. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that all data collected during the IT asset discovery process is properly secured and protected.
Network Performance Risks
IT asset discovery can put a significant strain on the network, especially when scanning large networks with thousands of devices. This can lead to network congestion, slow performance, and even network downtime.
Therefore, it is essential to carefully plan the IT asset discovery process and schedule it during off-peak hours. It is to minimize the impact on network performance.
False Positives and Negatives
IT asset discovery tools are not foolproof and can sometimes generate false positives or negatives. A false positive occurs when a device is identified as being on the network when it is not. While a false negative occurs when a device is not identified even though it is on the network.
False positives and negatives can lead to incorrect inventory information, which can impact asset management and security.
Compliance Risks
Many regulatory frameworks, such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR, require organizations to maintain an accurate inventory of their hardware and software assets. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines and penalties.
Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the IT asset discovery process is comprehensive and accurate to meet compliance requirements.
IT asset discovery is an essential process that can help organizations improve their security posture and asset management. However, it comes with several risks that need to be carefully managed. Organizations must implement proper security measures and carefully plan the IT asset discovery process. It is to minimize risks and ensure maximum benefits.
Best practices to manage and mitigate the risks of IT discovery
To manage and mitigate the risks associated with IT asset discovery, organizations can follow these best practices:
- Strong security measures for data privacy
To protect sensitive data collected during the IT asset discovery process, organizations should implement strong security measures such as encryption, access controls, and data masking. They should also ensure that the data is stored securely and only accessible to authorized personnel.
- Optimized network scanning
To avoid network congestion and performance issues, organizations should schedule the IT asset discovery process during off-peak hours and use tools that are optimized for network scanning. They should also consider segmenting their network to reduce the scope of the scan and minimize the impact on network performance.
- Use reliable discovery tools
To reduce the risk of false positives and negatives, organizations should use reliable IT asset discovery tools that are regularly updated and tested. They should also conduct regular audits to verify the accuracy of their inventory data and address any discrepancies promptly.
- Up-to-date inventory of assets
To meet regulatory requirements, organizations should maintain an up-to-date inventory of their hardware and software assets and ensure that the IT asset discovery process is comprehensive and accurate. They should also conduct regular compliance assessments to identify any gaps and address them proactively.
- Staff training
Organizations should provide staff with training on the importance of IT asset discovery and the risks associated with the process. Staff should also be trained on how to use IT asset discovery tools correctly and how to handle any data privacy issues that may arise.
Manage risks effectively with Virima Discovery
Managing and mitigating the risks associated with IT asset discovery requires a combination of technical controls, policies, and staff training. By implementing these best practices, organizations can minimize the risks and reap the benefits of a comprehensive IT asset management strategy.
In the world of IT asset discovery, there are many risks that must be mitigated in order to ensure the security and compliance of your organization. Fortunately, Virima Discovery is a powerful solution that can help you address these risks head-on.
First and foremost, the Virima platform is purpose-built on AWS for multi-tenancy with full data segregation between tenants. This means that your organization’s data is fully protected and kept separate from other tenants on the platform, reducing the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.
In addition, Virima Discovery utilizes a RACI model for role-based access. This means that you can easily control who has access to your organization’s sensitive data, ensuring that only authorized personnel are able to view and manage IT assets.
Virima Discovery runs on servers you own and control
Another key benefit of Virima Discovery is that the app runs on servers you own and control. This gives you full control over your organization’s data and ensures that you can monitor and manage your assets in a way that is fully compliant with your organization’s policies and regulations.
To further enhance security, Virima Discovery also encrypts asset credentials on the Discovery App and never sends them to the cloud. This means that your sensitive data is fully protected, reducing the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.
Finally, Virima is independently certified for AICPA SOC 2 Type 2 audited controls. This means that the platform has undergone rigorous testing and meets the highest standards for security and compliance.
Overall, Virima Discovery is an essential tool for any organization that wants to mitigate the risks associated with IT asset discovery. With its powerful security features, robust access controls, and independent certification, Virima is the perfect solution for organizations that take security and compliance seriously.
There’s more you can do with the Virima IT Discovery tool! Request a demo today to find out more.
