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.