What is the difference between credentialed and uncredentialed vulnerability assessments?

Vulnerability assessments are a critical component of an organization's cybersecurity strategy, as they help identify and prioritize vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. There are two main types of vulnerability assessments: credentialed and uncredentialed. In this blog post, we will discuss the key differences between these types of assessments and the pros and cons of each approach, written for a non-technical user to understand.

A credentialed vulnerability assessment is an assessment that is performed with the use of valid login credentials. This means that the assessor has access to the system and can test it as an authenticated user. Credentialed assessments can be performed on both internal and external systems, and they typically provide a more detailed and accurate assessment of vulnerabilities.

One of the main advantages of a credentialed assessment is that it allows the assessor to test the system with the same level of access as a legitimate user, providing a more accurate representation of the system's vulnerabilities. Additionally, credentialed assessments can provide a more comprehensive view of the system, including the ability to assess areas that are not accessible to an external attacker, such as internal networks. Furthermore, credentialed assessments can provide a more accurate representation of the system's vulnerabilities, as well as the ability to test the effectiveness of security controls.

However, there are some disadvantages to credentialed assessments. One of the main disadvantages is that it requires access to valid login credentials, which can be difficult to obtain for external systems. Additionally, the assessor must be careful not to disrupt the system's normal operation during the assessment. This can be particularly challenging for systems that are in production environments and require high availability. Finally, it's important to note that credentialed assessments are only truly effective if the testers are experts in the field and are able to understand the system's architecture and behavior.

An uncredentialed vulnerability assessment is an assessment that is performed without the use of valid login credentials. This means that the assessor can only test the system as an external attacker, and thus can only identify vulnerabilities that are accessible from the outside. Uncredentialed assessments are typically performed on external systems, such as web applications and public-facing servers.

One of the main advantages of an uncredentialed assessment is that it can identify vulnerabilities that are accessible to external attackers, such as those in web applications or public-facing servers. Additionally, uncredentialed assessments can be performed quickly and at a lower cost than credentialed assessments, as they do not require access to valid login credentials. Furthermore, uncredentialed assessments are often a regulatory requirement for certain industries and can be used to demonstrate compliance with industry standards.

However, there are some disadvantages to uncredentialed assessments. One of the main disadvantages is that they can only identify vulnerabilities that are accessible from the outside, and thus may not provide a comprehensive view of the system's vulnerabilities. Additionally, uncredentialed assessments may not be able to test the effectiveness of security controls, as they are not able to test the system as an authenticated user. Finally, it's important to note that uncredentialed assessments can only identify vulnerabilities that are accessible to an external attacker and may not be able to identify internal vulnerabilities that are not accessible from the outside.

In conclusion, credentialed and uncredentialed vulnerability assessments are two different approaches to vulnerability assessments that have their own advantages and disadvantages. Credentialed assessments provide a more detailed and accurate assessment of vulnerabilities, but require access to valid login credentials and can be disruptive to the system's normal operation. Uncredentialed assessments can identify vulnerabilities that are accessible to external attackers and are often a regulatory requirement, but may not provide a comprehensive view of the system's vulnerabilities and cannot test the effectiveness of security controls. The choice of assessment approach will depend on the specific requirements of your organization and the level of risk you are willing to accept. Ultimately, it's important to regularly assess and test your systems to ensure they are secure and comply with security standards.