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Any computer system interconnected in a network or connected to the internet is susceptible to security problems and vulnerable to cyberattacks. However, there are solutions capable of identifying different types of threats and assisting in risk reporting ; one of them is the vulnerability scanner.
This type of tool works continuously in the form of tests to find gaps in computer or network system security, with the goal of preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data , which could lead to the theft, sale, and financial harm to companies.
To give you an idea, according to data collected by the Mz group, cyberattacks against Brazilian companies increased by 220% in the first half of last year.
Therefore, managing internal and external threats to all networked systems is fundamental, and vulnerability scanning is an excellent solution for monitoring and preventing potential intrusions .
In this article, we will highlight some benefits of using vulnerability scanners and learn which verification tools are most widely used in the market. It's important to remember that there is no single best scanner, but rather those that are most suitable depending on the verification needs, offering broader and more comprehensive results.
Keep reading and enjoy!
Benefits of vulnerability scanning
Operating in an automated way, the vulnerability scanner works continuously. This ensures that any potential attack is quickly identified . It's important to remember that while any system can be vulnerable, small businesses are particularly vulnerable.
This happens for various reasons, such as a lack of training for professionals in identifying suspicious messages, the use of outdated systems, etc.
Furthermore, with the arrival of the LGPD (Brazilian General Data Protection Law), the need for companies to protect their own information and that of their clients has become even more urgent. This is because, in addition to the heavy fines imposed, the company's reputation is now questioned in the market, negatively impacting its image.
10 free tools you should discover
There are various vulnerability scanning tools on the market, and the best part is that many of them are free. So, we've listed some of the top 10 for you. Check them out:
1 – OpenVAS Vulnerability Scanner
This tool allows for verification of servers and network devices, including IP address, open services, open ports, configuration problems, and program and application installation.
Next, it generates a report with the information via email for later correction. This vulnerability scanner can be used from an external server.
2 – Tripwire IP360
Here, scanning is integrated with risk management, allowing users to more autonomously identify all network problems, including local assets, clouds, and containers.
It is a type of scanner capable of performing a more general and systemic assessment by information technology professionals.
3 – Nessus Vulnerability Scanner
It is a type of vulnerability scanner that works by generating a proactive security procedure in integrated, virtual, physical, or cloud-based networks. It is best suited for use by cybersecurity professionals to , and even applications.
4. Comodo HackerProof
Updated daily, it is widely used by information technology teams because it offers drive-by attack prevention, good verification of malicious websites, and files in the computer's operating system.
Based on indicators, the security assessment is monitored by users, which requires improvements to the software itself.
5. Nexpose Community Vulnerability Scanner
The novelty of this vulnerability scanner lies in its open-source code , which becomes an advantage for information technology professionals. This allows for continuous improvements as soon as a new device connects to the network.
It also works with a risk scoring assessment criterion among threats and ensures measurement by cybersecurity professionals .
6. Vulnerability Manager Plus
The key difference here is that the verification uses the same mechanism as the hackers, so that IT professionals can also learn how attacks are being reworked and devise more up-to-date prevention solutions.
The scanner is provided free of charge on up to 25 devices and offers automatic scanning, risk and impact assessment, security configuration errors, web server protection, among other features.
7. Nikto Vulnerability Scanner
This vulnerability scanner allows IT professionals to understand server versions and functionalities, enabling them to take more targeted action against protocols and malware.
It allows for the simultaneous verification of different ports on the same server and is widely used due to its efficiency in protecting the server.
8. Wireshark
This scanner is suitable for Linux, macOS, and Windows devices, and is widely used in network systems of public agencies and services.
In this tool, identified threats are placed offline for evaluation and remediation.
9. Aircrack-ng
It is a vulnerability scanner widely used for monitoring WiFi networks, using applications accessible via drives, cards, and replay attacks. It handles lost keys by capturing data packets. Supported operating systems include NetBSD, Windows, OSX, Linux, and Solaris.
10. Retina network security scanner
The operation here is based on open-source, web-based software , operating from a central location, and includes: patching, compliance, configuration, and reporting.
It also offers guaranteed protection for databases, workstations, servers, and web applications, with full support for vCenter integrations and virtual application scanning environments.
Get to know Skyone Cybersecurity
Brazil is one of the countries that suffers most from information technology security problems. Therefore, investing in digital security is never a bad idea.
Skyone Cybersecurity is Skyone's security brand! Platforms and services to protect your business data through threat anticipation, continuous monitoring, and real-time responses to attack attempts.
Your IT needs to be more strategic and less operational; our professionals are cybersecurity experts. With our support, IT teams become more strategic and less operational.
Visit our website and chat with one of our experts to learn more.
