Threat actors are constantly evolving, leveraging sophisticated tactics to exploit vulnerabilities faster than organizations can patch them. Traditional security strategies that focus purely on defense are no longer enough. Instead of reacting to attacks, businesses must anticipate threats, identify weaknesses before they become entry points, and strengthen their defenses proactively with Vulnerability Management.

One way to achieve this is by expanding vulnerability management beyond conventional Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS)-based assessments. Attackers don't wait for a vulnerability to be rated 'critical' before exploiting it—so why should security teams? By identifying misconfigurations, weak credentials, legacy software risks, and overlooked exposures, organizations can play offense and mitigate threats before they become breaches.

At RSAC 2025, experts emphasized a shift toward a more strategic, offense-driven approach to vulnerability management. By integrating services like OpenText™ Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) and OpenText Security Health Check, organizations can build resilient security frameworks that protect their assets and data effectively.

Places to start: Key areas for proactive vulnerability management

Security teams looking to enhance their vulnerability management strategy can begin by focusing on the following critical areas:

• Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEVs): Prioritizing patching for vulnerabilities that are actively being exploited in the wild.
• Legacy & End-of-Life (EOL) software: Identifying outdated software that no longer receives security updates.
• Default and weak credentials: Eliminating easily guessable passwords and enforcing strong authentication practices.
• Overextended privileged access: Reducing unnecessary administrative privileges to minimize insider and external threats.
• Inadequate or insecure system configurations: Ensuring configurations align with security best practices to avoid potential weaknesses.
• Lack of policy enforcement: Strengthening policies to ensure consistent compliance and security measures across the organization.
• Blind spots – visibility or device: Identifying gaps in monitoring to prevent undetected security breaches.
• Conduct pre-mortems: Assessing impact before incidents occur to anticipate security challenges and develop preventive solutions.

Introducing OpenText’s Security Services

To support organizations in adopting a proactive cybersecurity strategy, OpenText offers comprehensive security solutions, including Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) and Security Health Check services.

• OpenText VAPT provides tailored security assessments to enhance resilience and ensure organizations can defend against emerging cyber threats.
• OpenText Security Health Check offers a holistic analysis of an organization's security posture, identifying vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and security gaps.

Looking ahead: Making vulnerability management strategic

Instead of waiting for threats to materialize, organizations should embrace a continuous improvement mindset in cybersecurity. Conducting regular security assessments, leveraging automation, and fostering a culture of vigilance can ensure that vulnerabilities don’t turn into full-blown breaches.

To truly fortify your cybersecurity strategy, a proactive vulnerability management approach must be complemented by broader defense mechanisms. If you’re interested in diving deeper into how organizations can strengthen their security posture and build resilience against evolving cyber threats, check out our blog "Fortifying Your Digital Fortress". It offers valuable insights on enhancing digital security and safeguarding your enterprise against modern attack vectors.

What steps has your organization taken to evolve its vulnerability management strategy? Connect with our OpenText Attack Team and let's work together to strengthen your defenses!

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