External Network Vulnerability Scans

A Comprehensive Guide to External Web Application Scans for Large Enterprises

June 18, 2025

Currently, businesses rely on web applications to manage data, serve customers, and maintain smooth operations. With technology, though, comes added risk. Companies are at risk for Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), and SQL injection, among others. These things can lead to compliance issues, data breaches, and severe reputational damage. It’s for these reasons that companies investing in cybersecurity in the USA need to be using proactive security measures. An external vulnerability scan is a great way to safeguard public-facing applications. These scans will identify weaknesses by simulating real-world attacks from outside the network using vulnerability scanning and penetration testing services.

External web application scans are security assessments done from an outside perspective. All of your internet-facing applications, including portals, websites, and APIs, are tested for vulnerabilities through vulnerability scanning. The difference between these and internal scans is that internal scans focus on vulnerabilities inside your firewall, while external scans will see what a hacker sees and then point out the vulnerabilities. This is an imperative security layer that works with internal scans and other mitigation techniques to keep a company safe. The more web applications a company has, the larger the attack surface. Any additional features, plugins, and integrations present in a business’s system increase the chances for security gaps to occur. Cyber Bark’s external scans will detect the issues across a system and point out any known vulnerabilities.

These scans provide an array of benefits. From minimizing exposure by identifying and fixing issues to supporting better risk management, which allows personnel to triage issues from most severe to least severe. If a business is bound by specific regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR, or PCI DSS, they are legally required to have scans in place. This is also a crucial step in keeping clients’ trust. If a company can show that their systems are secure through these scans and by remaining compliant with these regulations, customers will be more likely to sign on because there is less likelihood of financial losses if something happens. SQL injection is when attackers gain access to databases, XSS is when malicious scripts are injected into user sessions, and CSRF is when authenticated users are tricked into unauthorized actions. Broken authentication is an additional issue in which account hijacking occurs. Lastly, Insecure Direct Object References are when URL paths are manipulated by attackers to access restricted data.

Scans start with asset discovery. Following the discovery is automated vulnerability scanning, which uses scanning tools. Results are gathered into a report, which shows risks and suggested mitigations. Automated tools are efficient; however, when working together with penetration testing services, the two combined can offer more in-depth results. Complex applications are an example of combining manual and automated testing techniques to shine. Scans should occur at a minimum frequency of quarterly and if there are major changes to applications. Scan schedules should align with internal sprints or release cycles. Once scans are completed, they should be reviewed by IT security teams to collaborate on critical fixes and for fast resolution. Team effort is critical regarding security. If these scans are integrated, the business’s DevSecOps will obtain outcomes that are lasting and more secure.

While these scans provide an excellent way to obtain vulnerability data, there will always be challenges that go along with it. Depending on company size, the larger ones often have complex web applications with multiple platforms. The volume of these assets and development can make it difficult to track. In addition, threats are constantly evolving, so something secure today may not be secure tomorrow. For this reason, ongoing scans are essential.

Accuracy and automation, in addition to clear reporting, are essential when looking for the right scanning tool. Additionally, it needs to be able to integrate seamlessly into your existing infrastructure. Choosing a tool with both accuracy and automation, as well as one where scale and compliance are non-negotiable, is pertinent to ensure the business stays secure.

To sum up, for a larger enterprise to be as secure as possible, an external vulnerability scan is vital to protect critical assets within a company. Customer trust relies on compliance and security to ensure a long-term business relationship. Tech-forward regions such as Chicago and New York are consistently investing in proactive protections, such as external web application scans, to keep their companies proactive and ahead of the threat curve.

Cyber Bark provides external vulnerability scans to fit every business’s needs. Additionally, IT Audits, External Network Vulnerability Scans, Phishing tests, and Phishing training programs are offered as a security suite so companies can protect their assets in such a manner that their entire infrastructure stays secure. Taking it a step further, Cyber Bark also offers Project Management, CIO services, and Web Development teams that will support your IT strategies in a broader spectrum.