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Top 10 vulnerability scanners

Ashwani Paliwal
February 8, 2024

One effective strategy for identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities is the use of vulnerability scanners. These powerful tools help detect potential security weaknesses in your systems, networks, and applications, allowing you to proactively address them. In this blog, we will explore the top 10 vulnerability scanners available today, equipping you with the knowledge to enhance your cybersecurity defenses.

Top 10 Vulnerability Scanners

1. SecOps Solution

SecOps Solution is an Agent-less Vulnerability and Patch Management Solution which Identifies, Prioritize and Remediate vulnerabilities in your Infrastructure and Applications - in seconds It identifies the top 1% of security risks that could have the maximum impact on the organization, thereby saving millions of dollars and hundreds of hours of engineering effort in patchwork and remediation. 

Key Features:

  • Vulnerability Management
  • Web App Security
  • Patch Management
  • Mobile App Security
  • Compliance
  • Container Security

It also integrates with other business tools like Slack and email apps to improve vulnerability scanning. Moreover, the solution provides IT admins with context-based security assessments to reduce cyber incidents and false positives.

The main advantage of SecOps is that you don’t have to buy any additional scanners. It's a one-stop shop for vulnerability management.

Pricing: you can check out their pricing page.

Best for:  

SecOps Solution is suitable for organizations of all sizes that require a robust and feature-rich vulnerability scanner.

2. Nessus

Nessus, developed by Tenable, is a widely recognized vulnerability scanner trusted by organizations worldwide. It offers comprehensive vulnerability assessments and aids in scanning software flaws, configuration issues, and malware.

Features:

  • Extensive vulnerability database and regular updates for accurate results.
  • Comprehensive scanning capabilities for networks, systems, and applications.
  • Advanced reporting and risk management features.
  • Integration with other security tools for a seamless workflow.

Pricing:

Nessus offers various pricing options, including professional and enterprise editions. The pricing depends on the scale of deployment and the specific needs of the organization.

Best for:

Nessus is suitable for medium to large enterprises that require a robust and feature-rich vulnerability scanner. It is an excellent choice for organizations with complex infrastructures that demand continuous monitoring and proactive vulnerability management.

Drawback:

Nessus can be resource-intensive and may require dedicated hardware or virtual machines to run effectively. Additionally, the higher-tier pricing plans may be costly for smaller businesses or organizations with limited budgets.

3. OpenVAS

OpenVAS (Open Vulnerability Assessment System) is an open-source vulnerability scanner known for its versatility, scalability, and extensive plugin library. It is a popular choice for identifying security flaws and vulnerabilities.

Features:

  • Open-source and freely available for use and customization.
  • Comprehensive vulnerability scanning for networks and applications.
  • Flexible architecture for scalability and customization.
  • Detailed reports and remediation guidance.

Pricing:

OpenVAS is open-source software, which means it is free to use. However, organizations may need to invest in infrastructure and dedicated resources for optimal performance.

Best for:

OpenVAS is well-suited for organizations that prioritize open-source solutions and have the resources and expertise to customize and maintain the scanner. It is commonly used by security professionals, system administrators, and smaller organizations with limited budgets.

Drawback:

OpenVAS can be complex to set up and configure, requiring technical knowledge. As an open-source tool, it may not offer the same level of support and regular updates as commercial scanners. Additionally, the initial setup and maintenance can be time-consuming.

4. Qualys

Qualys Vulnerability Management is a cloud-based scanner that offers continuous monitoring and assessment of your infrastructure. It provides real-time visibility into your security posture and integrates well with other security tools.

Features

  • Cloud-based architecture for scalability and ease of use.
  • Automated scanning and comprehensive vulnerability assessment.
  • Real-time visibility into security risks and prioritized remediation guidance.
  • Integration with various security platforms for streamlined workflows.

Pricing

Qualys follows a subscription-based pricing model, and the cost varies based on the size and complexity of the deployment. The pricing structure includes different tiers and additional modules.

Best for

Qualys is ideal for organizations of all sizes that require a cloud-based vulnerability management solution. It is particularly beneficial for distributed environments and businesses with a large number of assets to scan. Its scalability and integration capabilities make it suitable for enterprises with complex infrastructures.

Drawback

The cost of Qualys may be a barrier for smaller organizations or those with limited budgets. Some users have reported that the user interface can be overwhelming initially, requiring a learning curve for new users.

5. Nexpose

Nexpose, developed by Rapid7, is a powerful vulnerability management solution available as both an on-premises and cloud-based option. It offers proactive risk identification and prioritization for enhanced security.

Features:

  • Advanced vulnerability scanning for networks, systems, and applications.
  • Real-time risk assessment and vulnerability prioritization.
  • Remediation guidance and integration with other security platforms.
  • Extensive reporting and dashboards for enhanced visibility.

Pricing:

Nexpose's pricing structure depends on the deployment option (on-premises or cloud) and the specific needs of the organization. Contact Rapid7 for detailed pricing information.

Best for:

Nexpose is suitable for organizations that require a comprehensive vulnerability management solution with both on-premises and cloud-based deployment options. It is often favored by security teams and enterprises seeking in-depth vulnerability assessments and integration capabilities.

Drawback:

The pricing of Nexpose may be prohibitive for smaller organizations or those with limited budgets. Some users have mentioned that the initial setup and configuration process can be complex, requiring expertise and time investment.

6. Acunetix

Acunetix is a specialized web vulnerability scanner designed to identify vulnerabilities in web applications. It helps organizations detect common security flaws like cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection.

Features:

  • Dedicated scanning for web applications and websites.
  • Accurate detection of vulnerabilities in web technologies.
  • Integration with development tools for continuous security testing.
  • Detailed reports and proof of exploit capabilities.

Pricing:

Acunetix offers different pricing options, including a Standard Edition and a Premium Edition. The pricing depends on factors such as the number of assets and the level of support required.

Best for:

Acunetix is best suited for organizations that prioritize web application security. It is widely used by web developers, security testers, and businesses with a significant online presence, such as e-commerce platforms and online service providers.

Drawback:

Acunetix's specialized focus on web application scanning may limit its usage for organizations that require broader vulnerability assessments across their infrastructure. The pricing of the Premium Edition may be relatively higher compared to other vulnerability scanners.

7. Burp Suite

Burp Suite, developed by PortSwigger, is a widely-used penetration testing tool that includes a powerful vulnerability scanner. It offers comprehensive testing capabilities for web applications, helping identify security weaknesses and potential vulnerabilities.

Features:

  • Advanced web application scanning for vulnerabilities like injection attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS), and more.
  • Interactive scanning with a user-friendly interface.
  • Customizable scanning options and configuration.
  • Detailed reports with remediation suggestions.

Pricing:

Burp Suite offers a free community edition with limited features. The professional edition, which includes the vulnerability scanner, requires a license and offers additional functionality and support.

Best for:

Burp Suite is an excellent choice for security professionals, web developers, and organizations that prioritize in-depth testing and vulnerability assessment for their web applications. It is widely used for manual penetration testing and can integrate with other testing tools.

Drawback:

The professional edition of Burp Suite comes with a cost, which may be a limiting factor for smaller organizations or those with budget constraints. It can be complex for beginners and requires some level of technical expertise.

8. Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)

Microsoft Defender ATP is a comprehensive security solution that includes a built-in vulnerability scanner. It helps organizations detect and respond to advanced threats, including vulnerabilities in their systems and applications.

Features:

  • Real-time monitoring and detection of vulnerabilities and security weaknesses.
  • Integration with Microsoft security tools for holistic threat management.
  • Automated remediation and threat response.
  • Detailed reporting and analytics for actionable insights.

Pricing:

Microsoft Defender ATP is available as part of Microsoft 365 subscriptions, such as Microsoft 365 E5, or as a standalone solution. Pricing varies based on the subscription and licensing model.

Best for:

Microsoft Defender ATP is best suited for organizations that already use Microsoft 365 and want a built-in vulnerability scanner within their existing security infrastructure. It provides a seamless experience and integration with other Microsoft security tools.

Drawback:

While Microsoft Defender ATP offers comprehensive security features, it may have limitations in terms of its compatibility with non-Microsoft environments. Organizations heavily reliant on non-Microsoft systems and applications may need additional scanning tools to cover their entire infrastructure.

9. Intruder

Intruder is a cloud-based vulnerability scanning platform designed to help organizations identify and remediate security weaknesses in their networks, systems, and web applications. It combines automated scanning with human intelligence to provide comprehensive vulnerability assessment and risk management.

Features:

  • Automated Scanning: Intruder utilizes automated scanning techniques to discover vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and potential threats across networks and web applications.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: It offers continuous monitoring of assets and systems, ensuring that new vulnerabilities are detected promptly and accurately.
  • Attack Simulation: Intruder simulates real-world attack scenarios to identify potential security gaps and weaknesses in the infrastructure.
  • Actionable Reports: The platform generates detailed reports with clear descriptions of vulnerabilities, risk ratings, and recommended remediation steps.
  • Integration Capabilities: Intruder integrates with popular issue tracking systems, such as Jira and Trello, enabling seamless workflow and collaboration between security teams and developers.

Pricing:

Intruder offers different pricing plans tailored to the needs and size of the organization. The pricing structure may vary based on the number of assets, scope of scanning, and additional features required. For specific pricing details, it's recommended to visit the Intruder website or contact their sales team.

Best for:

The intruder is suitable for organizations of all sizes that require ongoing vulnerability assessment and management. It caters to businesses that prefer a cloud-based solution and seeks a balance between automated scanning and human expertise in identifying security vulnerabilities.

Drawback:

While Intruder offers a range of scanning capabilities, its functionality may not be as comprehensive as some of the larger, enterprise-focused vulnerability management platforms. Additionally, the pricing structure and features may not fit the requirements or budgets of certain organizations. It is advisable to evaluate the specific needs and compare different tools to determine the best fit for your organization's cybersecurity strategy.

10. BeyondTrust Retina

BeyondTrust Retina is a vulnerability management solution designed to provide visibility into an organization's security posture and assist in remediating vulnerabilities.

Features:

  • Multi-platform vulnerability scanning
  • Risk assessment and prioritization
  • Patch management integration
  • Compliance reporting
  • Asset discovery and inventory

Price:

BeyondTrust Retina offers customized pricing based on the number of assets and the scope of the deployment. Contact BeyondTrust for pricing details.

Best For:
BeyondTrust Retina is suitable for an organization focused on vulnerability management.

Drawback:

  • Some users may find the interface less intuitive compared to other tools
  • Pricing may be prohibitive for smaller organizations

SecOps Solution is an award-winning agent-less Full-stack Vulnerability and Patch Management Platform that helps organizations identify, prioritize and remediate security vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in seconds.

To schedule a demo, just pick a slot that is most convenient for you.

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