Vulnerability Scanners

The scanners which assess the vulnerability of a network or a computer to security attacks are known as Vulnerability Scanners. The tools might function differently, however all of them aim to provide an analysis on how vulnerable the system or a network is. Here is a list of the best ones:

Nessus

Nessus is the world’s most popular vulnerable scanner topping the list in the years 2000, 2003 and in the year 2006 survey on security tools. It's a free to use vulnerability scanner for personal use in the non enterprise environment.

OpenVAS

This scanner is tipped by many to be the most advanced vulnerability scanner in the world and is a powerful and comprehensive tool for scanning as well as providing solutions for vulnerability management. It is free software and is maintained daily.

Nipper

It is a parser for network infrastructure and its full form is Network Infrastructure Parser. This open source scanner helps with features like auditing, configuring and managing devices for network infrastructure as well as managing the computer networks.

Secunia PSI

It is free computer security software which scans software on a computer system. It tracks those third party/non Microsoft programs which requires security updates to protect your computer against hackers and cyber-criminals.

Retina

Retina, with more than 10,000 deployments, is one of the most sophisticated vulnerability scanners in the market. It aids in efficient identifications of IT vulnerability and is also available as a standalone application as well. It essentially identifies weaknesses in the configuration and missing patches.

QualysGuard

It is a vulnerability management scanner which provides solutions for vulnerability management by applications through the web. Designed by Qualys Inc., it's available on demand. It helps the users by analyzing their vulnerability status.

Nexpose

Vulnerability management is one of the best security practices to protect the system or a network from security threats. Nexpose is a vulnerability management scanner which does different kind of vulnerability checks where there's a risk in IT security.