Vulnerability Scanning

Vulnerability scanning refers to the automated process of identifying security weaknesses across networks, endpoints, cloud platforms and systems. It is foundational for a cybersecurity strategy and enables organisations to pinpoint where they are exposed and what actions they should take before those exposures are taken advantage of.

In the modern digital age and with increased cyber risk, organisations can no longer simply rely on generic scanners. This is where FoxTech comes in. Our approach goes well beyond raw data as we combine advanced scanning tools with expert analysis, endpoint visibility and tailored processes that account for internal and perimeter threats.

Whether your organisation is worried about legacy systems or cloud misconfigurations, our team delivers actionable intelligence that drives better security decision making.

Why Vulnerability Scanning Is Critical

In the complex digital landscape, vulnerability scanning is essential. Below, we take a closer look at why scanning should be central to a modern security and compliance strategy:

  • Preventative Action: Frequent scanning makes way for early identification of weaknesses before attackers are able to exploit them. This allows for timely remediation and significantly reduces the risk of compromise.
  • Security Visibility: FoxTech provides full-spectrum scanning across endpoints, servers, remote users and cloud assets to remove any blind spots in your digital estate.
  • Regulatory Requirements: Many industry standards and regulations mandate regular scanning. FoxTech’s tailored reports align with these frameworks and help simplify audit preparation as well as demonstrate ongoing compliance.

It is important to note that regular scanning also empowers businesses to reduce cyber insurance premiums, improve their security posture and meet client expectations for due diligence and data protection.

Types of Vulnerability Scanning

Different systems require different approaches when it comes to vulnerability scanning. FoxTech provides a versatile range of scanning methods that suit the diversity of our clients’ environments:

We offer:

  • Agent-Based Scanning: Installed directly on endpoints, these lightweight agents provide continuous visibility into software versions, patch status, configuration changes and more. This method is ideal for organisations with remote or distributed teams.
  • Network-Based Scanning: Conducted remotely across the network, this method identifies externally visible vulnerabilities, missing patches and misconfigurations in networked systems and devices.
  • Credentialed Scanning: Uses system credentials to perform deeper inspections of configuration settings, user permissions and installed software. Credentialed scans provide a more thorough assessment than unauthenticated options.
  • Perimeter and Internal Scanning: FoxTech supports scanning from both external (internet-facing) and internal (LAN) perspectives to surface vulnerabilities that attackers or insiders could exploit.

Comparing Agent-Based and Agentless Scanning

While agentless or network-based, scanners offer helpful insight into your environment from the outside, but they often fail to detect vulnerabilities at the endpoint level. This is particularly notable when it comes to devices used by remote or VPN-connected employees. This means that critical issues on laptops, desktops or mobile endpoints can go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Agent-based scanning is designed to address this gap by offering deep and continuous visibility into each device. These lightweight agents are installed directly on the endpoint which allows them to report on software versions, configuration drift, patch status and more. It is also important to note that this will occur even when offline and once a device reconnects, it syncs and updates automatically.

Compared to agentless scanning, agent-based tools provide deeper asset visibility, do not depend on central network access and do not typically require additional credentials to operate. They also perform significantly better in remote or hybrid work environments, where endpoints may rarely connect to the core network.

For organisations with distributed teams, unmanaged devices or strict compliance requirements, agent-based scanning is the more comprehensive and reliable option.

FoxTech’s Approach to Vulnerability Scanning

FoxTech ‘s vulnerability scanning is not just scanning and sending a report. Our analysts manage the entire scanning lifecycle to ensure findings are valid, prioritised and relevant.

Our end-to-end process includes:

  • Asset Discovery & Classification: We identify all systems within your environment, from cloud platforms to remote endpoints.
  • Tool Deployment: With your specific architecture in mind, we deploy the appropriate mix of agent-based, credentialed and network-based scans.
  • Expert Analysis: FoxTech analysts validate results, filter false positives and assess severity.
  • Prioritisation of Findings: We highlight vulnerabilities that pose the greatest risk based on asset value, exposure and exploitability.
  • Remediation Guidance: You receive clear and actionable recommendations that are fully tailored to your infrastructure, software and workflows.

 

Our goal is to simplify complexity and instead of overwhelming and jargon-filled reports, we provide clear direction and ongoing support to drive actionable progress.

Vulnerability Scanning Reports

Our vulnerability scanning reports are designed for both technical teams and executive stakeholders.

Each report includes:

  • Vulnerability Summary: A high-level breakdown of all detected vulnerabilities that are sorted by severity and exploitability.
  • Asset Coverage Overview: A map of scanned systems, with visibility across cloud environments, endpoints, servers and remote assets.
  • Remediation Actions: Specific guidance for fixing vulnerabilities that are specifically tailored to your systems and operating environment.
  • Compliance Mapping: Optional alignment with GDPR, ISO 27001 and other standards to support audits and regulatory reporting.
  • Executive Summary: An easy-to-understand overview that is suitable for boards and leadership which shows risk posture and progress over time.

 

These tailored and digestible reports empower your teams to take informed action without becoming overwhelmed by data and jargon.

Integrating Scanning into the Security Lifecycle

Vulnerability scanning should be part of an ongoing security lifecycle. FoxTech embeds scanning into broader risk management workflows to ensure you stay ahead of emerging threats.

Our service includes:

  • Continuous Monitoring: Regular scans scheduled based on your risk appetite and operational changes.
  • Expert Insight: Our analysts help interpret results and track your remediation progress.
  • Risk Context: We contextualise each finding within your specific environment to avoid alert fatigue and focus efforts where it matters most.
  • Platform Integration: Scanning results feed into other FoxTech services like configuration analysis and our Assure platform.

 

This integration helps reduce long-term risk exposure and builds a security posture that scales with your business.

Benefits of Vulnerability Scanning

Vulnerability scanning allows for proactive and informed action.

Core benefits of our vulnerability scanning include:

  • Complete visibility into current system and software vulnerabilities
  • Actionable guidance from FoxTech’s UK-based cyber experts
  • Reduced risk of ransomware, data breaches and remote exploits
  • Easy-to-read reports for executives, IT teams and auditors
  • Continuous alignment with compliance frameworks and evolving standards

 

Our scanning approach is designed to empower you with clarity.

Strengthen Security with Vulnerability Scanning

At FoxTech, we understand your business and requirements to help you reduce real risk. Whether you are a growing SME or a regulated organisation, our personalised scanning services empower you with visibility, insight and assurance.

Our scans plug directly into our FoxTech Agent-Based Detection tools, giving you seamless coverage across your entire environment. You can also explore our blog on vulnerability scanning to learn more.

Contact us today for all your vulnerability scanning needs.