Discover how managed security scanning automates vulnerability detection, enhances developer efficiency, and strengthens software security practices.
Managed security scanning automates the process of finding and fixing vulnerabilities in your software, systems, and networks. Here's what you need to know:
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What is Managed Security Scanning?
It's an automated service that:
- Scans code, apps, and infrastructure for security weaknesses
- Automates manual security checks
- Provides expert analysis and recommendations
- Helps meet compliance requirements
Key benefits:
- Catch issues early
- Continuous threat monitoring
- Frees up developers
Types of Scans
Scan Type
Checks
When to Use
VMaaS
System vulnerabilities
Continuously
DAST
Running apps
Testing and production
SAST
Source code
During development
System/Cloud
Infrastructure
Regularly in production
Getting Started
- Pick a provider that fits your needs
- Add scans to your development pipeline
- Set up regular automated checks
- Train your team
- Keep improving your security practices
Using managed security scanning helps developers build safer software faster and protect against costly breaches.
How Developers Benefit
Managed security scanning offers several advantages:
- Time Savings: Automated scans free up coding time
- Ongoing Protection: Regular scans catch new vulnerabilities
- Compliance Support: Helps meet security standards
- Better Code: Catching issues early improves overall quality
For example, Veracode found that organizations using regular application scanning fixed flaws 11.5 times faster than those scanning less often.
Benefit
Impact
Time Savings
Up to 80% less manual review time
Vulnerability Detection
Finds 3x more issues than manual testing
Compliance
Meets 70% of common regulatory requirements
It's not just about finding problems—it's about making security an ongoing part of development.
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How to Start Using Managed Security Scanning
Picking a service:
- Match your needs
- Check their track record
- Look for 24/7 expert support
- Compare costs (but don't skimp on quality)
Adding it to your workflow:
- Schedule regular scans
- Use the provider's portal for results
- Integrate with your CI/CD process
- Train your team
- Review and adjust as needed
"Vulnerability scanning can dramatically improve cyber resilience by ensuring vulnerabilities are quickly identified, classified, and prioritized for remediation before attackers exploit weaknesses."
Tips for Developers
Make security checks routine:
- Add scans to your CI/CD pipeline
- Use pre-commit hooks
- Schedule regular comprehensive scans
- Check dependencies often
Work with security teams:
- Hold joint meetings
- Share knowledge
- Involve security early in projects
- Create a quick feedback system
Keeping Watch and Getting Better
Set up regular checks:
- Plan frequent scans
- Automate the process
- Track key metrics
- Test your response plan
Deal with new threats:
- Keep learning about new attack methods
- Monitor your supply chain
- Update smart devices regularly
- Train users on social engineering
IBM reports that US data breach costs hit $9.44 million on average in 2022, up 13% from 2020.
Problems and Fixes
Balancing security and speed:
- Use Agile-Scrum for regular testing
- Automate security checks
- Implement DevSecOps practices
Getting everyone on board:
- Involve team leads in setting goals
- Use gamification for training
- Present security as a resource
- Educate on risks and costs
Advanced Methods
Automated fixes:
- Tools like GitHub's Dependabot can create pull requests to fix security issues
- Organizations using automated tools patch 57% faster
Adding to development pipelines:
- Choose tools that fit your stack
- Set up automated scans at each stage
- Establish acceptable error rates
- Create policies for addressing issues
What's Next for Security Scanning
- AI and machine learning enhancing threat detection
- Focus on cloud-native security
- More integration into CI/CD pipelines
- Increased automation in vulnerability management
- Quantum-safe cryptography development
For developers:
- Embrace AI-driven tools
- Focus on cloud security
- Integrate security into CI/CD
- Keep an eye on quantum developments
- Commit to continuous learning
The future of security scanning is about speed, automation, and integration. Stay informed and adopt emerging practices to build more secure systems.
