What is Nessus? An Overview of the Vulnerability Scanner 05/04/2023 – Posted in: Information Security, Penetration Testing – Tags: , , , ,

Time to Read: 2-3 minutes.

Nessus is a widely used vulnerability scanner that is used to identify security weaknesses in computer systems, networks, and applications. It was first released in 1998 and is currently maintained by Tenable, Inc. In this article, we will provide an overview of Nessus and how it is used in cybersecurity.

How Nessus Works

Nessus works by scanning a target system or network for known vulnerabilities. It does this by using a database of known vulnerabilities and exploits, which is constantly updated by the Nessus community. Nessus can scan a wide range of systems and devices, including servers, routers, firewalls, and applications. It can also scan web applications and cloud environments.

Once Nessus has completed a scan, it provides a report that identifies any vulnerabilities that were found. The report includes information about the severity of the vulnerability, the potential impact on the system or network, and recommendations for how to fix the vulnerability.

Features of Nessus

Nessus has a wide range of features that make it a valuable tool in cybersecurity. These features include:

  1. Vulnerability Scanning: Nessus can scan a wide range of systems and devices to identify known vulnerabilities.
  2. Policy Compliance: Nessus can also be used to ensure that systems and devices are compliant with industry standards and regulations.
  3. Asset Discovery: Nessus can be used to discover all devices and systems on a network, making it easier to manage and secure the network.
  4. Reporting: Nessus provides detailed reports on vulnerabilities, including information on severity, potential impact, and recommendations for remediation.
  5. Integration: Nessus can be integrated with other security tools, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, to provide a more comprehensive security solution.

Benefits of Using Nessus

There are many benefits to using Nessus in cybersecurity. Some of these benefits include:

  1. Comprehensive Scanning: Nessus can scan a wide range of systems and devices, including web applications and cloud environments.
  2. Constantly Updated: Nessus has a database of known vulnerabilities and exploits that is constantly updated by the Nessus community.
  3. Customizable: Nessus can be customized to meet the needs of individual organizations, including the ability to create custom policies and reports.
  4. Cost-Effective: Nessus is a cost-effective solution for vulnerability scanning and compliance auditing.

Conclusion

Nessus is a valuable tool in cybersecurity that can help organizations identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. Its comprehensive scanning capabilities, constantly updated database, and customizable features make it a popular choice for vulnerability scanning and compliance auditing.

Reference Link: https://www.tenable.com/products/nessus/nessus-professional