Vulnerability scanning is an automated check that lists known weaknesses across your systems – run it regularly and cheaply. Penetration testing is a skilled human trying to actually break in and chain weaknesses together – deeper, point-in-time, and more expensive. Most small businesses need regular scanning; add a pen test when a customer, insurer or regulation requires it.
Vulnerability scanning
- Automated, runs in minutes to hours
- Finds missing patches, misconfigurations, weak settings, exposed services
- Cheap enough to run monthly or continuously
- Produces a prioritised list to fix
- Does not confirm whether a weakness is actually exploitable
Penetration testing
- A tester manually probes, chains issues, and attempts real access
- Finds business-logic flaws and combinations a scanner misses
- A snapshot – valid until the next change
- Costs more; done annually or on a major change
- Produces a report with proof and remediation advice
Which does a small business need?
Start with regular vulnerability scanning and actually fix what it finds – that closes most real risk. Commission a penetration test when a client contract, cyber-insurance application or a standard like SOC 2 or PCI requires one, or before launching something significant.
We run managed vulnerability scanning as part of our cybersecurity service and coordinate penetration testing with a specialist partner when you need it.
Related security guides
- What a firewall does
- Multi-factor authentication explained
- Network segmentation
- EDR vs antivirus vs MDR
- Security awareness training
- How to prevent ransomware
Want this handled? See our cybersecurity service or talk to our Edmonton team.
Frequently asked questions
How often should we run a vulnerability scan?
Monthly at least, continuously if the tooling allows. The value is in acting on the results, not just running it.
How much does a penetration test cost?
For a small business, typically a few thousand dollars for an external test, more for a full scope. Scanning is a fraction of that.
Is a vulnerability scan the same as a security audit?
No. A scan checks technical weaknesses. An audit reviews policies, processes and controls against a standard. Both have a place.
How does Scandifix help?
We set up and run managed vulnerability scanning, prioritise and fix findings, and arrange a penetration test with a trusted specialist when a contract or standard requires it.