5. Scoping the Project

Scoping the project is the real beginning of the vulnerability assessment. In this phase, a formal document will be developed that will define the activities you and your team will undertake. It will also outline what type of schedule this project will be on and the amount of support that will be needed.

The scoping document will also outline the infrastructure perimeter—that is, what portion of the network will be examined and what portions will be off-limits. This document will act as the road map of planned activities and as such will include evaluation activities, time schedules, and resources available to the team. This document should be approved by a high-level security officer and should contain a nondisclosure clause and a legal clause to protect the team.