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Introduction to Schedules

Our scheduling system allows you to set up scans that will run at specific intervals. This guide will walk you through each scheduling option, with examples and important notes to help you avoid common pitfalls.

In the Security Scanning Portal, schedules allow you to automate scan timing for your organization’s scans. A schedule defines when a scan should start, the frequency of recurrence, and other options that keep your scans consistent without manual intervention.

Why Use Schedules?​

Schedules offer several advantages:

  • Consistency: Schedules ensure scans run regularly, helping your organization meet security and compliance requirements.
  • Efficiency: Automate scans so your team doesn’t need to initiate them manually, saving time and reducing oversight.
  • Flexibility: You can define custom schedules based on your unique security needs, allowing scans to align with different time zones, frequencies, and more
  • Synchronization with Firewall Rules: Schedules allow you to align scan timings with firewall access windows. If your assets are behind a firewall, you can configure firewall rules to permit scanning within specific date and time ranges. This ensures scans run seamlessly within designated access periods, enhancing both security and operational control.

Scheduling Options​

When creating a schedule, you’ll encounter several customizable options to configure exactly when and how often your scans should run. Here’s a quick summary.

First Time*​

This is the first date and time the scan is scheduled to run.

Important: The First Time is only used for the very first scan. Subsequent scans will follow the frequency and interval settings.

Example:

  • First Time: January 10, 2024
  • Frequency: Every 2 months
  • Today’s Date: January 9, 2024
  • Outcome: The scan will first run on January 10, 2024, then run every 2 months after.
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If your schedule includes options like "Monthly on the 1st Sunday," the scan might run twice in the first month (once on the First Time date and once on the first Sunday). This behavior only occurs at the beginning of the schedule.

Frequency​

Sets how often the scan will repeat.

Options:

  • Once: The scan runs a single time on the First Time date.
  • Daily: Runs every N days.
  • Weekly: Runs every N weeks and/or on specified days.
  • Monthly: Runs every N months on specific days or on a specific day of the month.

Interval​

Defines the interval of recurrence, based on the selected frequency.

Example:

  • Daily, Every 3: Runs every 3 days.
  • Weekly, Every 2 on Monday, Friday: Runs every 2 weeks, on Mondays and Fridays.
  • Monthly, Every 2 on 1st Sunday: Runs every 2 months on the first Sunday of the month.

By Day (for Weekly or Monthly frequencies)​

Allows selecting specific days (e.g., Monday, Tuesday) for scans to run.

Usage Example: Weekly, every 1 week, on Monday and Wednesday.

By Month Day (for Monthly frequency)​

Allows selecting specific days of the month (e.g., the 15th).

Usage Example: Monthly, every 1 month, on the 1st and 15th.

Timezone​

The timezone determines the exact timing for each scheduled scan, ensuring the scans align with your preferred time zone.

Tips & Common Pitfalls​

  • Understand First Time Behavior: For recurring schedules, remember that First Time is only for the initial scan; all subsequent scans follow the frequency and interval.
  • Monthly Scheduling Tip: If you select "Monthly on the 1st Sunday," and the First Time is another day, the scan might run twice in the first month (once for First Time and once on the 1st Sunday).
  • Changing Timezones: If you change the timezone after scheduling, it may affect the timing of future scans.

What’s Next?​

Now that you understand the scheduling options, you can set up your scans to run automatically at your preferred intervals. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please reach out to our support team.