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Vulnerability scanning is critically important for identifying security flaws in hardware and software, but vulnerability scanning types are as varied as the IT environments theyre designed to protect.

In this article, well delve into various types of vulnerability scans, explore their benefits, outline the ideal scenarios for running each type, and list the best vulnerability scanning tool to use for each type of scan. By understanding these distinctions, you can improve your overall cybersecurity defenses and harden your systems against potential threats.

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Host-based vulnerability scanning is aimed at evaluating vulnerabilities on specific hosts within an organizations network. These scans can be agent server-based, in which an agent is deployed on the target host; agentless, in which no agent is required; or standalone, in which the scanning capabilities are self-contained.

Tenable Vulnerability Management (formerly Tenable.io) provides enterprises with a comprehensive and fast solution for assessing vulnerabilities at the host level. Tenable.ios host-based scanning works by deploying lightweight software agents on specific hosts throughout the network. These agents gather data on the hosts operating system, installed software, settings, and other pertinent information. This data is subsequently transmitted to the Tenable.io platform for analysis and vulnerability assessment.

Tenable.io is a popular option for enterprises looking for comprehensive host-based scanning solutions due to its agent-based approach, continuous monitoring, asset management features, integration capabilities, and vast vulnerability knowledgebase.

Pricing: Tenable Vulnerability Management costs $2,275 a year for 65 assets, with discounts for multi-year contracts.

Port scanning sends network queries to different ports on a target device or network. The scanner detects which ports are open, closed, or filtered by analyzing the results. Open ports may suggest possible vulnerabilities or network-accessible services.

Nmap Security Scanner communicates directly with the hosts operating system to collect information on open ports and services, after which it applies techniques such as TCP connect scanning, SYN scanning, UDP scanning, and more. Each approach employs a different strategy to ascertain the state of the target ports (open, closed, or filtered).

Because of its versatility, extensive features, active development, scripting support, and cross-platform compatibility, Nmaps host-based scanning for port scans is highly respected. These features make Nmap a popular port scanning tool among network administrators, security experts, and amateurs.

Nmap is free and open source for end users, but theres also a paid license for OEM redistribution.

Also read: Nmap Vulnerability Scanning Made Easy: Tutorial

Web application scanners are used to identify vulnerabilities in web applications. These scanners frequently probe software to map its structure and discover potential attack vectors. These scanners automate the process of scanning web applications, evaluating the applications code, configuration, and functioning to find security flaws. Web application scanners simulate many attack scenarios to discover common vulnerabilities, such as cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, cross-site request forgery (CSRF), and weak authentication systems. They utilize techniques such as crawling the application to identify all available pages, sending input data to forms, and reviewing server responses for potential vulnerabilities. Web app canners typically use predefined vulnerability signatures or patterns to detect existing vulnerabilities.

Invicti applies an automated scanning technique to identify vulnerabilities in web applications. It discovers and evaluates all aspects of an online application, including its pages, inputs, and functions, using a combination of crawling and scanning approaches. The scanning engine of Invicti can identify a wide range of online application vulnerabilities, such as SQL injection, XSS, and remote code execution, among others.

The platforms automated scanning, deep scanning capabilities, business logic testing, and powerful reporting capabilities make it a top choice for enterprises looking for dependable and quick web application security evaluations.

Invict does not publish pricing information, but the price for each plan can be obtained by contacting the vendor.

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Network vulnerability scanners detect vulnerabilities by scanning for known flaws, incorrect settings, and out-of-date software versions. To find vulnerabilities throughout the network, these scanners frequently use techniques such as port scanning, network mapping, and service identification. It also examines network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, and other devices.

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (formerly known as Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection) is gaining traction as a vulnerability management scanning tool, especially for remote work and work from home scenarios. Within its security suite, it provides complete network vulnerability detection capabilities and operates solely through agent-based deployment. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint captures and analyzes network traffic data, such as network flows, protocols, and communication patterns, by deploying network sensors.

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint offers a number of benefits for network vulnerability scanning. Features include seamless interaction with Microsoft threat intelligence, behavior-based detection techniques, endpoint protection correlation, and centralized management. These capabilities enable enterprises to discover and resolve network vulnerabilities proactively, strengthen their security posture, and reduce possible threats.

Microsoft offers a three-month free trial for users to test out Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Additionally, the Microsoft 365 E5 subscription includes Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan P2, which costs $57 per user per month. Contact Microsoft sales for detailed price information on different plans.

See the Best Enterprise Vulnerability Scanners

Database scanners are used to evaluate the security of database systems. They examine database setup, access controls, and stored data for vulnerabilities such as insecure permissions, injection problems, or unsafe settings. These scanners frequently provide information for securing databases and safeguarding sensitive data.

Impervas Scuba Database Vulnerability Scanner can detect hidden security issues inside your databases that may be missed by routine monitoring or manual assessments. Scuba is intended to scan enterprise databases for potential security vulnerabilities and misconfigurations, such as in Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, SAP Sybase, IBM DB2, and MySQL. Following the completion of the scan, Scuba provides information and solutions on how to fix the detected concerns. This then assists database administrators and security teams in efficiently prioritizing and mitigating threats. Scuba is available for a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux (both x32 and x64).

One notable advantage of Scuba is that it is available as a free tool, making it accessible to businesses with limited budgets or those looking for a cost-effective alternative.

Also read: 7 Database Security Best Practices: Database Security Guide

Early in the development cycle, source code should be checked for security vulnerabilities to identify possible issues before they become too costly to fix. Source code scanners examine software applications source code for security flaws, coding mistakes, and vulnerabilities. They look for possible vulnerabilities such as input validation errors, improper coding practices, and known susceptible libraries in the codebase. During the software development lifecycle, source code scanners assist developers in identifying and correcting vulnerabilities.

Snyk scans the source code of software projects for potential vulnerabilities and security flaws. It examines the dependencies and libraries used in a project by scanning code sources, including Git repositories and package manifests. Snyk contains a large collection of security advisories and vulnerability information that is constantly updated, allowing it to reliably discover problematic dependencies. Snyk interfaces easily with CI/CD pipelines, enabling automatic security scanning throughout the software development lifecycle. It is compatible with common development tools and processes such as GitHub, Bitbucket, Jenkins, and others.

Snyk offers a free version with limited tests per month. Unlimited testing features can be availed in their Team plan starting at $52 per contributing developer per month.

See the Top Application Security Tools & Software

Cloud vulnerability scanners evaluate the security of cloud environments such as IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS installations. They offer insights and ideas for improving cloud deployment security. These scanners investigate cloud setups, access restrictions, and services to detect misconfigurations, poor security practices, and cloud-specific vulnerabilities.

Wiz is a cloud-native security platform that makes use of cloud-native technologies and APIs to enable seamless integration and comprehensive scanning capabilities. It was recognized as the second easiest-to-use vulnerability scanner platform on G2.

Wiz is optimized for cloud environments and has extensive features for cloud security. It is capable of handling large-scale cloud infrastructures, making it appropriate for enterprises with complicated and broad cloud installations. Wiz also automates vulnerability screening and provides continuous monitoring, allowing security teams to keep up with new threats and security issues in real time. These characteristics allow enterprises to effectively scan and monitor cloud resources, keeping up with changing cloud environments.

Wiz does not list pricing on their website but you may contact the vendor for a custom quotation.

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Internal scans are designed to identify vulnerabilities in an organizations internal network. They inspect systems, servers, workstations, and databases for security flaws that may lie within network borders. These scans are performed from within the network by looking for flaws such as privilege escalation vulnerabilities. Internal scans are particularly beneficial for mapping employee permissions and identifying potential weaknesses to an insider attack.

OpenVAS is a popular open-source vulnerability scanner for internal vulnerability scanning. It locates and identifies the assets within your internal network that require scanning. It can detect all the devices and systems on an internal network by scanning a range of IP addresses or specified network segments. It then scans the scanned systems and devices for known vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, weak passwords, and other security concerns.

OpenVAS makes use of a large number of plugins, also known as Network Vulnerability Tests (NVTs), that are continuously updated. These plugins include tests for a variety of vulnerabilities, exploits, and security flaws. The plugins are used by OpenVAS to scan and analyze internal network components, discovering potential vulnerabilities and producing thorough reports.

OpenVAS also features configuration auditing tools and a capability to generate thorough reports following the scan that highlight the vulnerabilities and misconfigurations detected during the evaluation.

OpenVAS is a free open-source program.

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External scans identify vulnerabilities in an organizations internet-facing assets. These scans target internet-accessible services, apps, portals, and websites to detect any flaws that external attackers may exploit. They examine all internet-facing assets, such as employee login pages, remote access ports, and business websites. These scans help companies understand their internet vulnerabilities and how they might be exploited to obtain access to their network.

Many vulnerability scanners are designed to just scan for internal vulnerabilities, but Rapidfire Vulnerability Scanner is built to search for both internal and external vulnerabilities.

Rapidfire focuses on identifying security flaws in systems and devices accessible from beyond a networks perimeter. It searches for possible vulnerabilities in publicly available IP addresses, domains, and internet-facing assets. To find vulnerabilities, the scanner applies a number of approaches, including scans for missing patches, unsafe settings, weak passwords, known attacks, and other security flaws. It makes use of vulnerability databases and constantly updated signatures to ensure that vulnerabilities are correctly identified. Reports provide precise insights into vulnerabilities, allowing security teams to efficiently prioritize and resolve concerns.

RapidFire Tools doesnt post pricing information, but interested customers may request a quote.

Read more: External vs Internal Vulnerability Scans: Difference Explained

Vulnerability assessments entail a thorough examination of a companys systems, networks, applications, and infrastructure. These evaluations seek to identify vulnerabilities, evaluate risks, and make suggestions for risk mitigation. They can identify particular flaws or holes that might be exploited by attackers to undermine system security. Vulnerability assessment scans often comprise scanning the target environment using automated tools for known vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, weak passwords, and other security concerns. The scan results offer a full report on the vulnerabilities discovered, their severity, and potential consequences.

Rapid7 Nexpose is a vulnerability management solution with extensive assessment scanning capabilities. It provides complete vulnerability assessments, risk prioritization, and remedy advice. Nexpose is well-known for its simplicity of use and interoperability with other security solutions. Users may undertake rapid evaluations of their environment and any security risks by sorting asset information.

Rapid7 offers both free and paid plans for Nexpose. Contact the vendor for specific pricing information.

Also read: 7 Steps of the Vulnerability Assessment Process Explained

While an assessment scan is focused on a specific system or network, a discovery scan is focused on the identification and inventorying of assets within a network environment. Its goal is to map the network and identify the devices, systems, applications, and services that exist on it.

A discovery scans primary goal is to offer an accurate and up-to-date inventory of assets, including IP addresses, operating systems, installed applications, and other pertinent information. It aids in the understanding of network topology, the detection of illegal devices or rogue systems, and asset management. Discovery scans are less invasive than vulnerability assessment scans and are used to obtain information about the network architecture.

Because of its user-friendly design and enhanced network mapping features, Zenmap, a graphical interface for Nmap, stands out as an outstanding option for doing network discovery scans.

Zenmap makes network scanning and viewing easier with a user-friendly design. Zenmap lets users save frequently used scans as profiles, allowing them to be performed repeatedly without the need for manual setup.

Users can construct Nmap command lines interactively using Zenmaps command creator function. Zenmap maintains a searchable database that records scan findings, allowing for simple information access and retrieval.

Zenmap is a free open-source application.

See the Top IT Asset Management (ITAM) Tools for Security

Compliance scans compare an organizations systems and networks to regulations, standards, and best practices. These scans ensure that security policies and settings are in accordance with the appropriate compliance frameworks, assisting enterprises in meeting regulatory obligations.

OpenSCAP is an open-source platform that analyzes system security compliance and assures adherence to security standards. The scanner includes a comprehensive set of tools for scanning online applications, network infrastructure, databases, and hosts. Unlike other scanners, OpenSCAP compares the device to the SCAP standard rather than checking for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs).

To assess system compliance, OpenSCAP employs a mix of specified security content and scanning algorithms. It offers a security policy library known as SCAP (Security Content Automation Protocol) content, which comprises security baselines, configuration rules, and vulnerability tests. Compliance scans may be planned and done automatically using OpenSCAPs automation features, minimizing manual work and enhancing operational efficiency.

OpenSCAP is a free, open-source project and is continually enhanced, updated, and evaluated by a diverse group of contributors, assuring the availability of current security material and continued development.

See the Top Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Tools

There are two primary approaches to vulnerability scanning: authenticated and unauthenticated scans. Here are key differences between the two.

A thorough vulnerability scanning approach should include both authenticated and unauthenticated scans. This provides larger coverage and better insights on a systems or networks strengths and shortcomings. Comparing the outcomes of both categories aids in identifying disparities and areas that require more research or correction. Including both authorized and unauthenticated scans improves overall security awareness and preparation.

Also read: Penetration Testing vs Vulnerability Scanning: Whats the Difference?

Here are some guidelines for choosing a vulnerability scanning tool:

Vulnerability scanning is a critically important part of cybersecurity risk management, allowing organizations to find and fix flaws in their systems, networks, and applications through a range of vulnerability scan types. To keep your systems and data safe, vulnerability scanning should be a component of a thorough vulnerability management program that includes frequent scans and timely repair of discovered vulnerabilities. Staying on top of vulnerabilities is as difficult as it is important and requires organizational commitment.

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12 Types of Vulnerability Scans (+ When to Run Each) | eSP - eSecurity Planet