Qualys PM Offers Proactive Solution to WannaCry-Like Attacks
The WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 emphasized the crucial need for proactive vulnerability management. Isolated patch management tools frequently fall short, leading to delayed responses to exploits of known bugs. Qualys Patch Management (PM) offers a solution, as discussed by Jimmy Graham, Director of Product Management at Qualys, during the QSC18 Virtual Edition.
Proactive vulnerability risk management prevents hasty responses to attacks. It enables organizations to prepare in advance, as witnessed with the WannaCry outbreak. Microsoft released a critical patch (MS17-010) in mid-March 2017 to address the relevant vulnerabilities. However, many organizations failed to apply it in time, resulting in over 300,000 systems being infected.
Qualys PM assists in transitioning organizations from reactive mode to proactive operational security. It identifies missing patches, correlates them with vulnerabilities, and offers broad OS coverage. This integration facilitates mature vulnerability risk management, allowing proactive remediation based on patch prioritization. An integrated breach prevention program encompasses asset inventory, vulnerability management, threat prioritization, and patch management.
The WannaCry attack underscored the significance of proactive vulnerability management. Qualys PM addresses the challenges of isolated patch management tools by providing a comprehensive solution. By integrating patch management with vulnerability management, organizations can effectively prioritize remediation and prevent hasty reactions to attacks exploiting known bugs.
