In the modern age, managing and identifying vulnerabilities in digital environments has become increasingly challenging due to the rapid evolution of technology and the growing complexity of IT infrastructures.
The proliferation of interconnected devices, cloud services, and sophisticated software applications has expanded the attack surface, making it harder to keep track of potential weaknesses. Additionally, cyber threats are becoming more advanced, with attackers leveraging AI and machine learning to discover and exploit vulnerabilities faster than ever before.
Vulnerabilities are inevitable, according to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), over 40,000 new vulnerabilities were reported in 2024 (2025). Within New Zealand, Incidents of Phishing and Credential Harvesting increased by 70% from 484 in Q2 2024, to 823 in Q3 2024 (Quarter Three Cyber Security Insights 2024 | CERT NZ, 2024). However, the real risk is not identifying these vulnerabilities in time. Leaving vulnerabilities unmanaged creates an opportunity for cyber criminals to breach your environment, and to launch attacks such as ransomware, malware and DDoS (distributed denial of service).
Utilising vulnerability assessments helps understand and identify where the flaws are in your environment and can help create a guide to mitigate and remediate the issues before they can be compromised.
A vulnerability is a weakness or flaw in a system, application, or network that can be exploited by threats to gain unauthorised access or cause damage. This could be due to software bugs, misconfigurations, or inadequate security controls.
1. Types: Vulnerabilities can be categorised into various types, such as software vulnerabilities (e.g., buffer overflows), hardware vulnerabilities (e.g., Spectre and Meltdown), network vulnerabilities (e.g., open ports), and human vulnerabilities (e.g., social engineering).
2. Impact: The impact of a vulnerability can range from minor inconveniences to severe breaches that compromise sensitive data, disrupt services, or cause financial losses. The severity is often assessed using metrics like the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS).
3. Mitigation: Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities is crucial for maintaining security. This involves regular vulnerability assessments, patch management, implementing security best practices, and educating users about potential threats.
=How Trend Micro CREM can help
1. Continuous Monitoring and Real-Time Visibility: CREM continuously monitors your IT environment, providing real-time visibility into your attack surface. This ensures that new vulnerabilities are quickly identified and addressed
2. Risk-Based Prioritization: By leveraging threat intelligence and business impact assessments, CREM helps prioritise vulnerabilities based on their potential impact. This ensures that the most critical risks are addressed first, optimising resource allocation
3. Integration with CVE and CVSS: CREM integrates with the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) database and uses the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) to assess the severity of vulnerabilities. This standardised approach ensures that vulnerabilities are accurately classified and prioritised.
4. Shadow IT Management: CREM helps identify and manage Shadow IT, which refers to unauthorised applications and devices within an organisation. By providing comprehensive visibility into all assets, including those not officially sanctioned, CREM reduces the risk posed by Shadow IT
Managing vulnerabilities in the digital age is a complex and ongoing challenge due to the rapid evolution of technology and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. The proliferation of interconnected devices, cloud services, and advanced software has expanded the attack surface, making it crucial to identify and address vulnerabilities promptly. With over 40,000 new vulnerabilities reported in 2024 alone (2025), the importance of timely detection and management cannot be overstated.
Utilising vulnerability assessments and advanced security tools, such as Trend Micro CREM, can significantly enhance your ability to monitor, prioritize, and mitigate risks. Continuous monitoring, real-time visibility, and proactive measures are essential to stay ahead of potential threats and protect your digital environment from cyber attacks.
By adopting a comprehensive and proactive approach to vulnerability management, businesses can safeguard their assets and maintain robust security in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
If you are interested in finding out more reach out to our Software BDM – Mitchell.tan@dickerdata.co.nz - for a free demo of Trend Micro CREM.
References
(2025). Cybersecuritynews.com. https://cybersecuritynews.com/40000-cves-published-in-2024/
Quarter Three Cyber Security Insights 2024 | CERT NZ. (2024). CERT NZ. https://www.cert.govt.nz/insights-and-research/quarterly-report/quarter-three-cyber-security-insights/