Computing systems and applications pose an inherent risk to IT, as they contain vulnerabilities that can be exploited. IT security professionals must quickly identify vulnerabilities, and provide ongoing and consistent remediation or mitigation measures to prevent exploitation of them. The time between discovery of a vulnerability and when the vulnerability is patched provides a window of opportunity for a threat actor to exploit the system. Vulnerability scanners enable detection of vulnerabilities across various computing devices and applications in order to reduce risk, breaches, or compromise.

In this discussion, you will describe the importance of identifying and managing vulnerabilities.

In your initial post, address the following:

• What is the importance of vulnerability management within an information security plan?
• What is the importance of reducing the window of opportunity for a threat actor?
• How do vulnerability scanners and patch management help in reducing the exploitation of vulnerabilities?

In response to two of your peers, answer the following:

• Do you agree or disagree with your peers' perspectives on the importance of vulnerability management and patch management? Expand upon your ideas and support your stance with internal or external resources.
• Discuss an additional way of reducing the window of opportunity for a threat actor that your peer did not mention.
• Discuss an additional threat that a vulnerability scanner cannot address that your peer did not mention.