Minimizing Legal Risk When Using Cybersecurity Scanning Tools

When cybersecurity professionals use scanning tools on the networks and devices of organizations, there can be legal risks that need to be managed by individuals and enterprises. Often, scanning tools are used to measure compliance with cybersecurity policies and laws, so they must be used with due care. There are protocols that should be followed to ensure proper use of the scanning tools to prevent interference with normal network or system operations and to ensure the accuracy of the scanning results. Several challenges will be examined in depth, such as, measuring for scanner accuracy, proper methods of obtaining written consent for scanning, and how to set up a scanning session for optimum examination of systems or networks. This paper will provide cybersecurity professionals and managers with a better understanding of how and when to use the scanning tools while minimizing the legal risk to themselves and their enterprises.