What is the FIRST step in developing the vulnerability management program?

The first step in developing a vulnerability management program is to define a policy, as it establishes the foundation for consistent and effective management of vulnerabilities. Define Policy: A policy outlines the organization's approach to identifying, evaluating, and addressing vulnerabilities. It includes scope, objectives, roles, and responsibilities. Baseline the Environment: After defining the policy, the current IT environment is assessed to identify existing vulnerabilities and benchmark security posture. Maintain and Monitor: Regular updates and monitoring are implemented to ensure the program remains effective over time. Organizational Vulnerability Awareness: Awareness activities follow the policy definition to align teams with organizational goals for vulnerability management. Implementation Order: Without a clear policy, efforts to baseline or maintain the environment may lack focus and consistency. EC-Council CISO Reference: Vulnerability Management Framework: Highlights the importance of establishing policies before operationalizing vulnerability scanning and remediation. Policy-Driven Security: EC-Council emphasizes the role of policies in aligning vulnerability management efforts with organizational goals and compliance requirements.