Effective Scanning Strategies

Layered scanning approaches yield better results than monolithic scans. Begin with passive scanning during manual exploration to identify low-hanging fruit without impacting the application. Progress to spider scans that map application structure. Only after understanding the application should you launch targeted active scans. This progression builds understanding while identifying issues appropriate to each phase.

Authenticated scanning requires special attention to maintain sessions throughout testing. Configure re-authentication scripts for applications with aggressive session timeouts. Test both authenticated and unauthenticated perspectives, as different vulnerabilities appear in each context. Some authorization flaws only manifest when transitioning between authentication states. Include vertical and horizontal privilege escalation testing by scanning with multiple user accounts.

Incremental scanning strategies work well for large applications. Rather than attempting comprehensive scans that run for days, divide applications into logical sections. Scan authentication systems separately from business logic, test APIs independently from web interfaces. This modular approach provides quicker feedback and easier troubleshooting when issues arise. Combine results for comprehensive coverage while maintaining manageable scan sessions.