The 29-minute Breakout: Why monthly vulnerability scanning no longer works

At the Cyber Security 2026: Kritisk infrastruktur conference in Stockholm, experts highlighted the rapid evolution of cyberattacks, emphasizing that the time it takes for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities has plummeted to just 29 minutes, a stark decrease from 100 minutes in 2021. This swift pace is attributed to AI and automation, which have transformed the traditional, manual hacking model into one where autonomous systems can identify and exploit weaknesses almost instantaneously. As a result, the conventional "castle and moat" cybersecurity approach is failing, necessitating a shift to continuous, adaptive security systems that function more like an immune system, constantly scanning and responding in real time. Cybersecurity leaders agreed that periodic vulnerability scans are no longer sufficient, as attackers can strike far more rapidly than many defenses can react, underscoring the need for real-time, continuous security testing that aligns with the attackers' pace. This approach involves principles such as continuous discovery of assets, automated vulnerability scanning, and attacker-centric testing to assess and mitigate risks effectively. The discussions also noted that while AI accelerates threats, it can simultaneously enhance defensive capabilities, underscoring a critical shift from reactive to proactive cybersecurity strategies to bridge the gap between exposure and detection.

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