Gartner Research

A Guidance Framework for Developing and Implementing Vulnerability Management

Published: 23 October 2019

Summary

Vulnerability management, including vulnerability assessment, represents a proactive layer of enterprise security. VM remains challenging to many organizations, and this guidance presents a structured approach to VM best practices for security and risk management technical professionals.

Included in Full Research

  • Vulnerability Defined
  • Vulnerability Management and Vulnerability Assessment Defined
  • Prework
    • Define VM Process Scope
    • Define Roles and Responsibilities
    • Selecting Vulnerability Assessment Methods and Tools
    • Create and Refine VM Policy and SLAs
    • Identify Asset Context Sources
  • Assess
    • Identify Assets
    • Scan for Vulnerabilities
  • Prioritize
    • Defining the Prioritization Method
    • Use a Risk-Based Vulnerability Management Tool to Advance Prioritization
  • Act
    • Remediate
    • Mitigate
    • Accept Risk
  • Reassess
    • Validate Success and Rescan
  • Improve
    • Evaluate Metrics
    • Eliminate Underlying Issues
    • Evolve Processes and SLAs
  • Existence of Unreported Vulnerabilities
  • Trying to Fix All Identified Vulnerabilities
  • Ineffective Communication
  • Insufficient Remediation Resources
  • Fixing Only “High” and “Critical” Vulnerabilities
  • Conceding Broad or Eternal Exceptions
  • Mitigation Without Previous Planning Can Be Disastrous

Analysts:

Augusto Barros,  Anna Belak,  Michael Clark

Access Research

Already a Gartner client?

To view this research and much more, become a client.

Speak with a Gartner specialist to learn how you can access peer and practitioner research backed by proprietary data, insights, advice and tools to help you achieve stronger performance.

By clicking the "Continue" button, you are agreeing to the Gartner Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Gartner research: Trusted insight for executives and their teams

What is Gartner research?

Gartner research, which includes in-depth proprietary studies, peer and industry best practices, trend analysis and quantitative modeling, enables us to offer innovative approaches that can help you drive stronger, more sustainable business performance.

Gartner research is unique, thanks to:
Independence and objectivity

Our independence as a research firm enables our experts to provide unbiased advice you can trust.

Actionable insights

Not only is Gartner research unbiased, it also contains key take-aways and recommendations for impactful next steps.

Proprietary methodologies

Our research practices and procedures distill large volumes of data into clear, precise recommendations.

Gartner research is just one of our many offerings.

We provide actionable, objective insight to help organizations make smarter, faster decisions to stay ahead of disruption and accelerate growth.

Tap into our experts

We offer one-on-one guidance tailored to your mission-critical priorities.

Pick the right tools and providers

We work with you to select the best-fit providers and tools, so you avoid the costly repercussions of a poor decision.

Create a network

Connect directly with peers to discuss common issues and initiatives and accelerate, validate and solidify your strategy.

Complementary related insights

Gartner clients can log in to access the full library.

Article

IAM Leaders: Plan to Adopt These 6 Identity and Access Management Trends
Article

17 Network Security Concepts and Acronyms You Need to Know
Article

Could You Mitigate a DDoS Attack?
Research

Sustain Your Digital Momentum: 3 Goals for Software Engineering Leaders
Research

How to Attract, Develop, and Retain Software Engineering Talent
Research

Value Stories to Communicate the Business Value of Software Engineering
Webinar

The Gartner Leadership Vision for 2023: Enterprise Architecture
Webinar

Build an IT Organizational Structure that Drives Efficiency

Experience Information Technology conferences

Join your peers for the unveiling of the latest insights at Gartner conferences.

View Conferences

©2022 Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and its affiliates. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without Gartner’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization, which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, Gartner disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. Although Gartner research may address legal and financial issues, Gartner does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by Gartner’s Usage Policy. Gartner prides itself on its reputation for independence and objectivity. Its research is produced independently by its research organization without input or influence from any third party. For further information, see Guiding Principles on Independence and Objectivity.