A Review of Cyber Vulnerability Assessment Methods

Abstract

In an era defined by the ubiquity of digital
technologies, the assessment of cyber
vulnerabilities has become a cornerstone of
modern cybersecurity. This paper offers a
comprehensive review of cyber vulnerability
assessment methods, emphasizing the
importance of method selection and
recognizing their significance in safeguarding
digital assets and critical infrastructure. The
paper begins by elucidating the fundamental
concepts of cyber vulnerability assessment,
tracing its historical development, and
addressing the key challenges faced by
practitioners. A structured framework is
employed to categorize assessment methods
into network-based, host-based, and
application-based approaches. These methods
are meticulously analyzed, highlighting their
respective strengths and weaknesses, and
their real-world applications are exemplified
through case studies. Moreover, this review
identifies emerging trends and approaches
within the realm of vulnerability assessment,
from the integration of artificial intelligence
and threat intelligence feeds to the need for
continuous monitoring. The discussion
culminates in a reflection on the practical
implications of the comparative analysis,
emphasizing the critical importance of
selecting the right assessment method in the
context of cybersecurity. The paper concludes
with a series of thoughtful recommendations
for both practitioners and researchers,
fostering a deeper understanding of the
dynamic field of cyber vulnerability
assessment and its ever-evolving role in the
preservation of digital integrity and security.