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Security Score

A single 0-100 number that tells you exactly where your system’s security stands. Every scan and every Guard status check returns this score alongside a letter grade. 
  Score: 85/100 [=================---] Grade: B

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Grade Scale

ScoreGradeMeaning
90-100AExcellent — protection is comprehensive
80-89BGood — minor improvements possible
70-79CFair — address medium-risk issues
60-69DNeeds improvement — significant risks present
0-59FCritical — immediate action required

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Scoring Factors

The security score is a weighted composite of 8 factors, each independently scored 0-100:
FactorWeightWhat It Measures
Open Ports15%Are unnecessary ports exposed to the network?
Firewall15%Is the firewall enabled with comprehensive rules?
System Updates15%Are OS and software packages up to date?
Threat Status15%Are there known active threats on the system?
Password Policy10%Is password complexity enforced?
Security Tools10%Are antivirus, EDR, or IDS tools installed?
Compliance10%Does the system meet basic security frameworks?
Response Readiness10%Are threat response mechanisms in place?

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Calculation

Total = (Ports x 0.15) + (Firewall x 0.15) + (Updates x 0.15) +
        (Threats x 0.15) + (Password x 0.10) + (Tools x 0.10) +
        (Compliance x 0.10) + (Response x 0.10)
Each factor is independently scored 0-100. The weighted sum produces the final composite score.

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Quick Scan vs Full Scan

The depth of the scan affects how many factors are evaluated:
Scan ModeDurationFactors EvaluatedUse Case
panguard scan --quick~30 secondsOpen ports, firewall, password policy, running servicesFast daily check
panguard scan~60 secondsAll 8 factors including SSL certs, scheduled tasks, shared foldersComprehensive audit
A quick scan may produce a slightly different score than a full scan because it evaluates fewer factors. For the most accurate score, run a full scan.

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Score Breakdown Example

After running a scan, Panguard displays a detailed breakdown: 
  -- Risk Score ----------------------------

  Score: 72/100 [==================--] Grade: C
  Trend: improving (+5 since last scan)

  Breakdown:
    Firewall:    80/100
    Open Ports:  60/100
    Passwords:   50/100
    Updates:     90/100
    Tools:       70/100
    Threats:     85/100
    Compliance:  65/100
    Response:    70/100

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Continuous Score Updates with Guard

When Guard is running, the security score is recalculated continuously as conditions change:
  • A new port opens — the Open Ports factor drops, score decreases
  • A threat is detected and auto-blocked — the Threat Status factor updates
  • Guard has been running for 7+ days — the Response Readiness factor improves
panguard guard status

  -- Security Score -----------------------

  Score: 88/100 [===================] Grade: B
  Trend: stable (no change in 48h)
  Guard uptime: 14 days
Guard’s continuous monitoring provides a more accurate and current score than periodic scans alone. The score updates in near real-time as your system’s security posture changes.

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Trend Tracking

The security score tracks changes over time:
TrendConditionMeaning
ImprovingScore increased by 2+ points since last checkSecurity posture is getting better
DecliningScore decreased by 2+ points since last checkSecurity posture is degrading
StableChange within 2 pointsSecurity posture is steady
A declining trend should trigger investigation even if the absolute score is still acceptable. Small drops often precede larger issues.

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PDF Reports

The security score is a central element of generated PDF reports:
  • Score and grade displayed prominently on the first page
  • Factor breakdown with individual scores per category
  • Remediation recommendations prioritized by impact on score
  • Trend graph showing score changes over time (when historical data is available)
panguard scan --output my-report.pdf

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Where to View Your Score

Every scan displays the security score at completion:
panguard scan
Guard continuously calculates a real-time score. View it with:
panguard guard status
Quick overview of the current score:
panguard status

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Improving Your Score

1

Run a full scan

Start with panguard scan to get your current score and see the factor breakdown.
2

Address critical findings first

Focus on CRITICAL and HIGH severity findings. These have the largest impact on your score.
3

Enable Guard

Running Guard continuously improves your Response Readiness and Threat Status factors.
4

Rescan to verify

Run another scan after making changes to confirm your score has improved.

Your First Scan

Step-by-step guide to running your first security scan.

Learning Mode

How Guard builds a behavioral baseline during the 7-day learning period.