4 big mistakes you’re probably still making in vulnerability management…and how to fix them

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Let’s be honest folks, vulnerability management isn’t the same game it was five years ago. But if you’re still running periodic scans, ‘offering’ updates vs enforcing, and chasing CVSS scores like they’re all that matters, you’re playing by outdated rules.

Today’s environments are fast, fragmented, and full of moving targets; all while attackers are evolving just as quickly as defenses. If you’re a sysadmin or security pro still relying on traditional tools and tactics, you’re not just falling behind, you are potentially leaving the door wide open.

Here are four common missteps admins are still making when it comes to vulnerability management, and what you can do right now to get ahead before it’s too late!

1. You’re still running scheduled scans like it’s 2005

  • Why is it a problem?  Monthly, weekly, or even daily scans used to be adequate. Now? They leave blind spots. Cloud resources, remote endpoints, VMs… can spin up and vanish in minutes, and you’ll never catch those with a scan that runs on a schedule.
  • Fix it!  Shift to continuous scanning. Use tools that integrate with your asset inventory and run in real-time, not just on servers, but on cloud VMs, laptops, local & remote. Think always-on visibility, not point in time.

2. You’re treating every “critical” CVE like a fire drill

  • Why is it a problem?  CVS scores aren’t the whole story. A “critical” CVE on an internal dev server might pose less risk than a medium-severity bug on a public-facing endpoint. Not every vulnerability needs to be patched right away, but some do, and all should eventually unless there are mitigations in place, or well documented/signed reasons not to.
  • Fix it!  Embrace risk-based vulnerability management (RBVM). Look for tools that factor in exploitability, asset value, business impact, and active threat intel. Patch what actually matters first, and then do the rest on more traditional schedules. Have a plan to frame out your decisions so you do not miss one focusing on another.

3. You haven’t automated the boring stuff

  • Why is it a problem?  There’s just too much data for any team to handle manually, especially with hybrid workforces, BYOD, and dozens of tools generating alerts. Manually triaging tickets or chasing patch cycles will burn your team out fast. Burnout and alert fatigue are real, and a leading cause to both lax security practices, as well as employee loss. Attackers know this, they like the fact you are stressed and may make mistakes.
  • Fix it!  Automate what you can, from scanning to alert triage to patch scheduling. Use automation solutions to handle the noise so your team can focus on actual risk. Just make sure outputs are reviewable, not black boxes. Automation should speed you up, not set you up.

4. You’re ignoring the software supply chain

  • Why is it a problem?  Some of the biggest attacks in recent memory (SolarWinds, Log4Shell, MOVEit) didn’t come through traditional infrastructure. They came through third-party code and software components admins didn’t even know were in use.
  • Fix it!  Work with vendors to acquire Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) and scan all third-party components, even in vendor-provided apps. Track dependencies and automate alerts for vulnerable libraries. Don’t let someone else’s problem become your problem!

The bottom line

Vulnerability management isn’t just about finding holes anymore, it’s about knowing what matters, detecting fast, remediating fast, and having visibility across your whole environment, from local servers and workstations, to branch offices, and remote systems. Good vulnerability management starts with good policy, accurate intel on your systems, which is what allows you to use automation and patching solutions to their fullest potential and get the greatest advantage. You need a vulnerability management and endpoint automation solution that just works!

Admins who adapt will stay further ahead of threats. Those who don’t? Well…the attackers appreciate the help, and I’ll wager you will not like the surprise when one of them shows you what you missed.

To learn more, visit us here.