When exploit activity rises, prioritize vulnerabilities with confirmed exploitation—especially recent additions to CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog—then weigh the affected system’s exposure and importance. Use EPSS to help rank other vulnerabilities, and treat CVSS as useful severity context rather than a stand-alone patch order. First confirm the vulnerable software is actually installed and reachable; if you cannot patch promptly, apply a vendor-approved mitigation and track the remaining risk.
Use a risk-based order, not a severity-score list
A vulnerability’s priority depends on more than its technical severity. The useful question is whether the affected component exists in your environment, whether an attacker can reach it, whether exploitation is known or likely, and what harm a compromise could cause.
CISA has cautioned that CVSS risk scores “do not always accurately depict the danger or actual hazard that a CVE presents.” Use CVSS to understand vulnerability characteristics, but combine it with exploitation evidence and local exposure and impact. CISA’s explanation of its KEV policy provides that warning.
What each signal tells you
| Signal | What it tells you | What it does not tell you | How to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | The vulnerability is known to have been exploited. | That it is being used against your particular systems now. | Treat inclusion as a strong priority signal; check the listing and its date, then assess your exposure. CISA’s KEV catalog is available through NVD’s catalog feed. |
| EPSS | An estimate of the likelihood of exploitation, useful for ranking vulnerabilities across a larger population. | Proof of exploitation on a particular asset, or a technical determination that exploitation will succeed. | Use a current score as one threat input, particularly for vulnerabilities not in KEV. FIRST explains EPSS and how to interpret it. |
| CVSS | A severity assessment based on vulnerability characteristics. | The actual danger to your organization or the local business consequence. | Consider it alongside exploitation evidence, reachability, exposure, and asset impact. CISA’s KEV policy explanation discusses CVSS’s limits. |
| Asset and exposure context | Whether vulnerable software is present, reachable, exposed, and consequential in your environment. | Threat activity or the right vendor-specific fix. | Use it to distinguish the local risk of otherwise similar findings. CISA’s patching and mitigation guidance highlights internet-facing equipment. |
KEV and EPSS answer different questions. KEV records known exploitation; EPSS estimates likelihood using a broader set of signals. A KEV vulnerability can therefore have a low EPSS score: the lower estimate does not erase evidence of known exploitation. FIRST discusses this distinction in its EPSS user guide.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Prioritize findings in six steps
- Verify the finding against your estate. Match the CVE to installed software and affected versions. Check whether the component is enabled and whether the vulnerable service is reachable. Resolve false positives before spending remediation time.
- Check for confirmed exploitation. Review the current CISA KEV catalog and credible recent exploitation reporting. A recent KEV addition or other well-supported evidence of active exploitation should move a finding toward the front of the queue. Catalog entries and threat context change, so consult the live catalog rather than relying on an old list.
- Rank the remaining findings with EPSS and CVSS. Use the current EPSS estimate as a likelihood signal, not proof that your system is targeted. Consider CVSS severity and the practical prerequisites and impact of exploitation. Do not let a low EPSS value cancel confirmed KEV evidence.
- Adjust for reachability and consequence. Raise priority for internet-facing systems and for assets that are business-critical, safety-critical, hold sensitive data, or provide a path into other systems. CISA calls particular attention to critical- or high-severity remote-code-execution and denial-of-service vulnerabilities on internet-facing equipment in its patching and mitigation guidance.
- Patch or mitigate, and record exceptions. Deploy a tested vendor patch where practical. If it cannot be applied promptly, use a vendor-approved workaround or another defensible mitigation. Record an owner, the reason for delay, and a review and remediation date; these tracking details make the exception actionable.
- Reassess as conditions change. Recheck KEV additions, exploitation reporting, EPSS values, asset reachability, and vendor guidance on a recurring basis. A change in threat evidence or exposure can reorder the queue.
When a patch cannot be applied immediately
Do not treat a delayed patch as a closed finding. CISA’s ransomware response playbook advises patching when possible and mitigating when it is not. CISA’s guidance on patching and mitigating vulnerabilities recommends vendor-approved workarounds when a KEV-listed or critical patch cannot be applied quickly.
- Confirm and document the specific technical or operational reason the patch is delayed.
- Apply an appropriate vendor-approved workaround or other defensible mitigation, and verify it is in effect.
- Assign an owner and set a review date and target remediation date.
- Revisit the exception if exploitation evidence, exposure, vendor instructions, or business conditions change.
Know which deadlines apply to your organization
Binding Operational Directive 22-01 establishes remediation deadlines for covered U.S. federal civilian agencies; those deadlines are not a universal rule for private organizations. CISA encourages use of KEV for prioritization, but other organizations need to check their own applicable laws, contracts, sector guidance, and operational requirements. See CISA’s explanation of BOD 22-01 and KEV.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Account for changes to NVD enrichment
NIST announced that beginning April 15, 2026, it would prioritize National Vulnerability Database enrichment for CVEs in CISA KEV, software used within the federal government, and critical software. NIST stated that its goal is to enrich KEV entries within one business day of receipt. It also said all submitted CVEs would still be added to NVD, while items outside the priority groups might be categorized as lowest priority and not scheduled for immediate enrichment. Consequently, a sparse NVD record or a lack of enriched detail is not evidence that a vulnerability is harmless; consult vendor advisories and other reliable references as well. NIST describes the prioritization change.
NIST’s proposed Likely Exploited Vulnerabilities metric is not an established replacement for KEV or EPSS. Its paper says industry collaboration is needed to measure performance. Read NIST’s LEV metric paper.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteQuick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
