10 Essential Network Vulnerability Scanning Tools

Network security is of prime importance in today’s world, hence network scanning, or rather network vulnerability scanning, has a crucial role to play as regards the overall security of any enterprise and the data that it handles.

Here’s a look at the top 10 essential network vulnerability scanning tools available today:

HackerCombat Network Security Scanner

HackerCombat Network Security Scanner uses ATP (Advanced Threat Protection), the cloud-based filtering service that protects you from unknown malware and viruses, giving robust zero-day protection and protection from harmful links, in real time. Sensitive data exfiltration, port scans, IP protocol scans etc are the highlights of this security scanner. The other highlights are:

  • Scanning perimeter networks for vulnerabilities and threats.
  • Detailed network security report.
  • Checking for network security misconfigurations.
  • Scans all devices, checks for all kinds of vulnerabilities.
  • Checks for weak passwords, badly configured Proxy Servers, weak SNMP community strings, TLS/SSL ciphers etc.
  • Checks for anonymous FTP access, DNS zone transfer, DNS cache poisoning attacks etc.

OpenVAS

An open source tool, OpenVAS can be used as a central service providing effective vulnerability assessment tools. These help in vulnerability scanning and in vulnerability management as well. The highlights are:

  • Compatible with different OSs.
  • Comprehensive vulnerability assessment done, identifies issues related to security in servers and all devices.
  • Scan engine constantly updated with Network Vulnerability Tests.

Nexpose Community

Open source tool developed by Rapid7 and used for vulnerability scans and network checks. The highlights are:

  • Automatically detects new devices, evaluates vulnerabilities when they access network.
  • Can be incorporated into a Metaspoilt framework.
  • Takes into account the age of the vulnerability, decides fixes based on its priority.
  • Monitors vulnerability exposure in real-time.

Nikto

Open source scanner, highly in demand for detecting probable issues and vulnerabilities. Highlights:

  • Checks if server versions are outdated.
  • Performs various tests on web servers and scans hazardous files, programs.
  • Tests web server in the least possible time.
  • Scans HTTPS, HTTPd, HTTP etc and multiple ports of a specific server.

Tripwire IP360

Vulnerability assessment solution that is very much in demand and used by enterprises, organizations etc to manage security risks. Highlights are:

  • Uses a wide-ranging view of the network to spot issues.
  • Uses open standards to help integrate risk management, vulnerability management into the different processes of a business.

Wireshark

Widely used network protocol analyzer, a really powerful scanning tool. The highlights are:

  • Checks networks at a microscopic level.
  • Captures issues online while the analysis is done offline.
  • Runs on all platforms- Windows, Linux, MacOS etc.

Aircrack

Also known as Aircrack-NG, this scanning tool is used by many enterprises and agencies. The highlights are:

  • Helps in network auditing.
  • Focuses on all areas of WiFi security.
  • Helps retrieve lost keys by capturing data packets.
  • Supports multiple operating systems.

Nessus Professional

Created by Tenable Network Security, this patented scanner is widely used. The highlights are:

  • Timely vulnerability assessment helps block penetrations made by hackers.
  • Detects vulnerabilities that permit remote hacking of data.
  • Supports multiple operating systems.

Retina CS Community

Open source, web-based vulnerability scanning console, which offers centralized, simplified scanning. Highlights:

  • Provides cross-platform vulnerability assessment.
  • Offers compliance reporting, patching and configuration compliance etc.
  • Provides automated vulnerability assessment for servers, databases, web applications, workstations etc.
  • Gives complete support for virtual environments like vCenter integration, virtual app scanning etc.

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer

Known popularly as MBSA, it’s best for Windows systems. The highlights include:

  • Checks groups of computers for missing updates, misconfigurations, security patches etc.
  • Suited for medium-sized and small-sized organizations.
  • Offers solutions and suggestions after vulnerability scan.

Guest article written by: Julia Sowells is a security geek with almost 5+ years of experience, writes on various topics pertaining to network security.

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