Documentation
HECVAT Full v3.0.6
Vulnerability Scanning
VULN-01

Question VULN-01

Are your systems and applications regularly scanned externally for vulnerabilities?

Weight15
High RiskNo
RequiredYes
Compliant AnswerYes

Standard Guidance

EDUCAUSE provides no guidance here

Answering "NO"

Describe any plans to implement external vulnerability scanning for your applications.

Answering "YES"

Decribe your external application vulnerability scanning strategy.

Reason for Question

External verification of application security controls is important when managing a system. Trust, but verify, is the focus of this question. HECVAT responses are taken at face value and verified within reason, in most cases. When a vendor can attest to and provide externally provided evidence supporting that attestation, it goes a long way in building trust that the vendor will appropriately protect institutional data.

Follow-Up Inquiries

If "No," inquire if there has ever been a vulnerability scan. A short lapse in external assessment validity can be understood (if there is a planned assessment), but a significant time lapse or none whatsoever is cause for elevated levels of concern.

HECVAT Pro Advice

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