what is the primary difference between credentialed and non-credentialed scans

Guri Bee

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21-10-2024

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Credentialed vs. Non-Credentialed Scans: Unlocking the Secrets of Network Security Assessments

When it comes to evaluating the security of your network, vulnerability scans are a crucial tool. But not all scans are created equal. Two distinct approaches, credentialed scans and non-credentialed scans, offer varying levels of insight and require different levels of access. Understanding the key differences between these methods is essential for making informed decisions about your security assessments.

What is a Non-Credentialed Scan?

Imagine a detective investigating a crime scene without the benefit of any inside information. That's essentially what a non-credentialed scan is like. It operates from the outside, mimicking the perspective of a malicious actor. It relies on publicly available information and common vulnerabilities to identify potential security risks.

How does it work?

• Port Scanning: It probes your network for open ports and services. This reveals potential attack vectors, like open ports that could be exploited.
• Vulnerability Database: It leverages databases of known vulnerabilities to identify common flaws in your systems and applications.
• Common Exploits: It attempts to exploit known vulnerabilities to assess your network's resilience.

Benefits of Non-Credentialed Scans:

• Quick and Easy: They require minimal setup and can be executed rapidly.
• Low Impact: They don't involve logging into your systems, minimizing the risk of disrupting operations.
• Identify Basic Security Issues: They can reveal common vulnerabilities and misconfigurations that attackers might exploit.

Limitations of Non-Credentialed Scans:

• Limited Scope: They lack access to internal systems and applications, so they might miss important security risks.
• Incomplete Picture: They can't assess the security of internal applications or systems that aren't exposed to the internet.
• False Positives: They may identify potential vulnerabilities that are not actually present, requiring further investigation.

What is a Credentialed Scan?

Now imagine our detective has a key to unlock the doors of the crime scene, giving them full access to the inner workings. That's analogous to a credentialed scan. It utilizes valid credentials to log into your systems and applications, providing a much deeper view of your security posture.

How does it work?

• Authentication: It uses legitimate usernames and passwords to gain access to your systems and applications.
• Internal Assessment: It can examine internal configurations, access permissions, and application settings.
• Active Testing: It can perform more intrusive tests, like vulnerability analysis and penetration testing, to identify vulnerabilities that might be missed by non-credentialed scans.

Benefits of Credentialed Scans:

• Comprehensive Assessment: They offer a more thorough understanding of your security posture by examining internal vulnerabilities.
• Accurate Results: They minimize false positives by accessing sensitive information and configurations directly.
• Targeted Remediation: They provide specific insights into the vulnerabilities within your internal systems, facilitating more effective mitigation strategies.

Limitations of Credentialed Scans:

• Higher Impact: Accessing your systems poses a higher risk of potential disruption, necessitating careful planning and execution.
• Security Risk: Using valid credentials could expose your systems to vulnerabilities if compromised.
• Complexity: They require more setup and expertise compared to non-credentialed scans.

Choosing the Right Scan for Your Needs

The choice between credentialed and non-credentialed scans depends on your specific security goals and risk tolerance.

• For a quick overview of your network's external security: Non-credentialed scans are a great starting point.
• For a comprehensive assessment of your internal security posture: Credentialed scans are the way to go.
• For critical systems and sensitive data: Credentialed scans are essential to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

In Conclusion:

Both credentialed and non-credentialed scans play crucial roles in maintaining a secure network. Using them strategically and understanding their respective benefits and limitations allows you to make informed decisions that will strengthen your defenses and protect your valuable data.

Note: This article draws inspiration from various sources, including GitHub discussions. For specific discussions and code examples, please refer to the relevant repositories and threads on GitHub.