Vulnerability Scanners
Most security teams utilize vulnerability scanners to bring to light security vulnerabilities in their computer systems, networks, applications and procedures. There are a plethora of vulnerability scanning tools available, each offering a unique combination of capabilities.Leading vulnerability scanners provide users with information about the weaknesses in their environment,insights into degrees of risk from each vulnerability,recommendations on how to mitigate the vulnerability.
Types of Vulnerability Scanners
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identify possible network security attacks and vulnerable systems on wired or wireless networks.
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identify vulnerabilities in servers, workstations and provide greater visibility into the configuration settings and patch history of scanned systems.
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detect known software vulnerabilities and erroneous configurations in network or web applications.
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identify rogue access points and also validate that a company’s network is securely configured.
Vulnerability Scanning Tools
Nikto2
Nikto2 is an open-source vulnerability scanning software that focuses on web application security. Nikto2 can alert on server configuration issues and perform web server scans within a minimal time. Nikto2 doesn’t offer any countermeasures for vulnerabilities found nor provide risk assessment features. However, Nikto2 is a frequently updated tool that enables a broader coverage of vulnerabilities.
OpenVAS
OpenVAS is a powerful vulnerability scanning tool that supports large-scale scans which are suitable for organizations. OpenVAS receives updates daily, which broadens the vulnerability detection coverage. It also helps in risk assessment and suggests countermeasures for the vulnerabilities detected.
W3AF
W3AF is a free and open-source tool known as Web Application Attack and Framework. This tool is an open-source vulnerability scanning tool for web applications. It creates a framework which helps to secure the web application by finding and exploiting the vulnerabilities. Moreover, W3AF covers a high-broaden collection of vulnerabilities. Domains that are attacked frequently, especially with newly identified vulnerabilities, can select this tool.
Arachni
Arachni is also a dedicated vulnerability tool for web applications. This tool covers a variety of vulnerabilities and is updated regularly. Arachni provides facilities for risk assessment as well as suggests tips and countermeasures for vulnerabilities found.Arachni is a free and open-source vulnerability tool that supports Linux, Windows, and macOS. Arachni also assists in penetration testing by its ability to cope up with newly identified vulnerabilities.
Intruder
Intruder is a paid vulnerability scanner specifically designed to scan cloud-based storage. Intruder software starts to scan immediately after a vulnerability is released. The scanning mechanism in Intruder is automated and constantly monitors for vulnerabilities.Intruder is suitable for enterprise-level vulnerability scanning as it can manage many devices. In addition to monitoring cloud-storage, Intruder can help identify network vulnerabilities as well as provide quality reporting and suggestions.
Nmap
Nmap is one of the well-known free and open-source network scanning tools among many security professionals. Nmap uses the probing technique to discover hosts in the network and for operating system discovery.This feature helps in detecting vulnerabilities in single or multiple networks.
OpenSCAP
OpenSCAP is a framework of tools that assist in vulnerability scanning, vulnerability assessment, vulnerability measurement, creating security measures. OpenSCAP is a free and open-source tool developed by communities. OpenSCAP only supports Linux platforms.
OpenSCAP framework supports vulnerability scanning on web applications, web servers, databases, operating systems, networks, and virtual machines.
GoLismero
GoLismero is a free and open-source tool used for vulnerability scanning. GoLismero focuses on finding vulnerabilities on web applications but also can scan for vulnerabilities in the network as well. GoLismero is a convenient tool that works with results provided by other vulnerability tools such as OpenVAS, then combines the results and provides feedback.GoLismero covers a wide range of vulnerabilities, including database and network vulnerabilities. Also, GoLismero facilitates countermeasures for vulnerabilities found.
Nexpose
Nexpose is an open-source tool for vulnerability scanning. All the new vulnerabilities are included in the Nexpose database.Vulnerabilities are categorized by the tool according to their risk level and ranked from low to high. It’s capable of scanning new devices, so your network remains secure.