Authenticated Vulnerability Scanning Whiteboard Video

Seeing Only Half the Picture

Is your K-12 school relying solely on unauthenticated vulnerability scans? If so, you may only be seeing part of your risk picture.

Unauthenticated scans are a smart starting point. They reveal what a cybercriminal could exploit without logging in—outdated operating systems, unpatched servers, or exposed services. These scans give you an attacker’s-eye view of your perimeter defenses.

But stopping there creates dangerous blind spots. Once a malicious actor breaches your outer defenses, they often move laterally—spreading from one device to another and targeting sensitive student and staff data. Unauthenticated scans can’t show you these deeper risks.

Why Authenticated Scans Matter

Authenticated vulnerability scanning takes the next step. By using trusted credentials or lightweight endpoint agents, these scans can dig into your internal systems to uncover:

  • Risky or unauthorized applications
  • Outdated or unpatched software
  • Misconfigurations attackers could exploit
  • Weaknesses that only show up after login

Depending on your environment, this might involve a domain admin service account or lightweight agents deployed on endpoints. Either way, the goal is the same: deeper visibility and stronger protection.

Stronger Together: Inside + Out

The most effective approach for schools isn’t either/or—it’s both unauthenticated and authenticated scanning. Together, they deliver a full 360-degree view of your vulnerabilities:

  • Outside-in: What an attacker sees before access.
  • Inside-out: What they could exploit once inside.

This layered strategy dramatically reduces your attack surface, helping K-12 districts stay one step ahead of attackers.

Build a Safer Future for Your District

Authenticated vulnerability scanning isn’t just about finding flaws—it’s about building resilience. When paired with unauthenticated scans, you gain the visibility and confidence needed to safeguard student data, staff systems, and critical learning platforms.

Stay proactive. Stay protected.