KNOWLEDGE BASE
How Is a Website Vulnerability Scan Performed?
Table of Contents — English
Two Core Types of Vulnerability Scanning
Automated scanning tools (DAST — Dynamic Application Security Testing) detect known vulnerability patterns quickly and at low cost. Manual penetration testing uncovers complex business-logic flaws and gaps that automated tools miss, requiring human expertise. A comprehensive security strategy uses both together.
Common Vulnerabilities Detected in Scans
- SQL injection: database manipulation through unvalidated user input
- XSS (Cross-Site Scripting): malicious script injection
- Broken authentication: weak password policies, session management flaws
- Sensitive data exposure: unencrypted data transmission or storage
- Security misconfiguration: default settings, unnecessary open ports
The Business Value of Regular Security Scanning
The cost of proactively detecting and fixing a vulnerability is a tiny fraction of the average cost of a data breach (millions of dollars). Regular automated scanning (e.g., quarterly) and an annual manual penetration test are the minimum requirement of enterprise security standards.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Automated DAST scanning should be done after every major code change and at least monthly; comprehensive manual penetration testing should be done at least once a year.
Yes, OWASP ZAP is an open-source, powerful DAST tool that offers a good starting point for small projects.
It varies by scope and system complexity; for a mid-sized web application, a cost in the 30,000-100,000 TRY range is typical.
No, automated tools detect known patterns but often miss complex vulnerabilities specific to business logic; this is why manual testing is also necessary.
Prioritization should be done based on the vulnerability's criticality level, critical vulnerabilities should be fixed immediately, and re-tested after the fix.
Key Takeaways
- Automated DAST scanning and manual penetration testing are two complementary components of a comprehensive security strategy.
- SQL injection, XSS, and broken authentication are the most commonly detected vulnerabilities.
- The cost of regular security scanning is negligible compared to the cost of a data breach.
- Open-source tools like OWASP ZAP offer a cost-free starting point for small projects.
Content Owner:
Projx Digital
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