How to stay updated on the latest security vulnerabilities

1. Check public vulnerability databases

The first thing you can do to keep yourself updated on the latest cybersecurity vulnerabilities is to check public vulnerability databases. These databases typically share the latest information from security researchers, white-hat hackers, and security analysts. Tech-literate users will find these databases particularly useful, since some of them provide in-depth explanations, vulnerability scores, and lots of other metrics. While it’s true that these cybersecurity hubs might be a bit overwhelming for tech novices, it’s still worth checking them out, just to get acquainted with particular terms and field experts.

• National Vulnerability Database. The U.S. government’s repository lists Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) and analyzes them based on publicly available information. It also assigns CVE metrics such as its severity (known as Common Vulnerability Scoring System — CVSS), vulnerability type (Common Weakness Enumeration — CWE), and applicability (Common Platform Enumeration — CPE).
• Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE). A publicly available identifier system that lists the most recent CVEs. This list is hosted by MITRE and CNA (CVE numbering authorities) partners, who provide unique IDs and brief descriptions of vulnerabilities.
• VULDB. Crowdsourced vulnerability database VULDB offers freemium access and allows users to browse recent vulnerabilities by CVSS scores, products, vendors, and types.

2. Follow security researchers and white-hat hackers

Getting to know the experts in the cybersecurity field will open a direct path to getting the latest news about new cyber threats, along with security patches and online safety tips. Quite a few security analysts and white-hat hackers have websites or blogs where they share security bugs for various devices and software that they’ve found. News outlets usually write articles based on the information provided on such platforms as:

• The Talos Security Intelligence and Research Group (Talos). Along with publishing research on threats, malware campaigns, and vulnerabilities that affect the wider internet ecosystem, Talos researchers also work on detecting and analyzing them to protect Cisco products. Their website lists vulnerability reports alongside a blog powered by multiple security researchers. Talos also hosts a podcast and community support groups.
• Krebs on Security. Brian Krebs is a journalist, not a security researcher, but he takes a great interest in cybersecurity, and his blog is well recognized in the industry. He often writes about the latest vulnerabilities and interviews security researchers.

3. Sign up for a vulnerability alert service

If you don’t have time to study which cyber vulnerabilities you should safeguard against, you can look for smaller third-party services, such as Sec Alerts (not as well-known as Talos or CVE, though), that curate vulnerability alerts for you. Once you subscribe to a preferred service, choose the type of software or devices you use, and you’ll receive regular updates on the latest vulnerabilities. Depending on the service you choose, you might also receive weekly newsletters and premium services like real-time vulnerability alerts.

4. Use vulnerability scanners

If you’d rather invest in vulnerability prevention directly, instead of studying it, subscribing to vulnerability detection services is a great first step. You can find plenty of trusted service providers online (including NordVPN and its Threat Protection Pro™ feature) that offer vigilant vulnerability scanners and threat monitoring solutions. While such services are not free, investing in them can help you make sure you’re not caught off-guard if (or when) new cyber threats arise.

5. Follow cybersecurity news and blogs

News outlets such as the New York Times, Gizmodo, and Wired always release articles about the most recent and severe security bugs. If you read cybersecurity news daily, you will be aware of what to look out for.

You can also find news on cybersecurity blogs such as those written by cybersecurity experts from NordVPN. They often include privacy tips, summaries of major vulnerabilities, security best practices, and additional steps to protect your data. The great part is that you don’t need a robust technical knowledge to understand them — anyone from tech novices to tech pros can read NordVPN blogs and the free NordVPN monthly newsletter (you’ll find the subscription link below).

Why should you stay alert about recent vulnerabilities?

Most software vulnerabilities are programming or configuration errors made during development, which leave security holes. If left unpatched, they can be exploited by hackers to install malware on your device, steal your data, listen in on your calls, read your texts (if the tech or vulnerability allows such access), use your device for phishing, or completely take over your device.

Your software or app developers are responsible for patching these security bugs, but they might not always respond to them quickly enough. This opens a small window between the time when the vulnerability is discovered and when it is patched. Hackers monitor these opportunities while also looking for vulnerabilities themselves. It’s a never-ending struggle, but the good news is, you are not powerless.

Most types of cyber vulnerabilities and exploits can be prevented by simply being aware of them. For example, knowing how phishing attacks work can automatically make you more immune to suspicious emails and offers that seem too good to be true. Similarly, understanding the basics of brute-force attacks can encourage users to implement stronger passwords, improving their cybersecurity. Forewarned is forearmed — when you know these vulnerabilities exist, you can look out for attacks and safeguard your private data better.

How automation is improving vulnerability detection

While not a complete replacement of human oversight, automation has still become increasingly crucial in the vulnerability tracking process, especially with the emergence of AI technology. Since the number of cyber threats continues to steadily rise each year, cybersecurity teams need to rely on solutions that ease the workload. That also allows cybersecurity experts to focus on remediation rather than detection. 

Automation particularly helps in threat monitoring and management. Manual oversight can result in human error, and although no technology is failproof, automating these processes seems to yield positive results. It’s no wonder that some of the trusted cybersecurity services are already in the process of implementing automation and AI technology in their regular tasks.

What is the role of AI in identifying emerging vulnerabilities?

The boom of artificial intelligence has impacted all industries, including cybersecurity. While it offers new opportunities for cybersecurity experts, it has also become a powerful aiding tool for cybercriminals who are exploiting it to find new ways of stealing sensitive data, performing identity theft, or otherwise causing damage.

As for cybersecurity experts and technology users, AI can provide support in different ways, starting from simple cybersecurity tips you might get from consulting with models such as ChatGPT and finishing with complex systems designed to determine attack vectors and potential cyber threats.

The popularity of AI also means that users don’t have to have intricate tech knowledge to better protect themselves. AI-driven antivirus software or personal firewall services are easy to set up and are already showing potential to be robust enough to rival current cybersecurity measures.

Practices to follow to protect yourself from vulnerabilities

Programmers and developers are responsible for preventing and fixing security bugs. However, you can take additional steps to make yourself feel even safer when browsing online:

• Keep your software and apps up to date. Tech giants like Microsoft and Apple release regular updates that will always include patches to the latest bugs. Make sure to use the latest versions of your apps. Google also includes fixes for its Chrome zero-day vulnerabilities (which sometimes are pushed as emergency updates).
• Use an antivirus. It may not patch bugs, but it will prevent hackers from taking advantage of malware. A good antivirus will pick up on a virus or malware, notify you, and quarantine it before it does any damage.
• Do your research before buying a new device. Does it already have any known hardware vulnerabilities? What reputation does the manufacturer have? Some devices and their software are more secure than others.
• Practice good internet behavior. In cybersecurity, user habits often dictate the level of their online safety. Unfortunately, users often make poor choices regarding their privacy and cybersecurity (for example, by blindly accepting browsing cookies and privacy policies or trusting unknown third-party service providers). Simply changing some online habits can make a huge difference. If you’re not sure about the state of your online hygiene, check out our blog post on how to fix bad internet behaviors.
• Use strong passwords. Users often make the mistake of choosing easy-to-remember (and therefore easy-to-guess) passwords. Don’t make a hacker’s job any easier than it needs to be. Use a strong password and password manager tools to create and store passwords without exposing yourself to brute force attacks.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). While 2FA is mandatory in services (such as banking, email, or government pages), some websites (such as social media pages) still keep it optional. Consider enabling 2FA in all your online accounts to feel safer against cyber threats. 
• Regularly back up data. This cybersecurity tip is particularly useful for companies that store vast amounts of data, but it applies to individuals, too. Malicious actors may infect systems with ransomware, blocking access to sensitive data unless the victim transfers money. Using data backups can help you avoid falling victim to this cyberattack.
• Avoid downloading software from unreliable sources. Parents tell kids not to take candy from strangers. Similarly, you should not download software from unreliable and unfamiliar sources. That way, you’ll avoid malware and other cyber threats that might lurk in the seemingly innocent software.
• Use a VPN. A VPN encrypts your traffic and changes your virtual location, which increases your digital privacy and security.