Best Vulnerability Management Tools

A vulnerability manager performs automated checks on system weaknesses for any computer system. You might have heard of “white hat hackers” – people who try to break into a system to check its resistance to attempts by real hackers.

A complete system test that white hat hackers perform is called penetration testing or pen-testing.

A vulnerability manager is an automated penetration tester. While penetration testing can use automated tools that string together system research and attack strategies, a vulnerability manager performs a whole series of tests, rolling on from one to the next without human intervention.

Here is our list of the best vulnerability managers:

  1. Invicti EDITOR’S CHOICE This system focuses on securing applications developed in-house and is mainly concerned with code destined to operate online. In addition, the system can orchestrate with other security products to shut down detected vulnerabilities. Offered as a SaaS platform or for installation on Windows and Windows Server. Access the free demo.
  2. NinjaOne Vulnerability Manager (FREE TRIAL) This cloud-based system is part of a remote monitoring and management package and it focuses on software vulnerabilities with an automated patch manager. Get a 14-day free trial.
  3. Acunetix (ACCESS FREE DEMO) This security package has a lot of options. It can be used as an automated penetration testing tool, and there is also a version that operates as a full vulnerability scanner. Use it as a cloud service or install it onsite on Windows, macOS, or Linux.
  4. Intruder (FREE TRIAL) A cloud platform that offers a range of security management services, including a monthly vulnerability scan.
  5. ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus (FREE TRIAL) This package includes a vulnerability scanner and all of the tools you need to act on the discovered weaknesses. Available for Windows and Windows Server.
  6. Heimdal Security Patch & Asset Management (FREE TRIAL) This cloud based system documents your software inventory and identifies which are out of date and vulnerable. It then fixes these problems with updates.
  7. SecPod SanerNow (FREE TRIAL) This platform includes a vulnerability manager, a patch manager, and a compliance manager that operates on Windows, macOS, Linux, and cloud platforms. Delivered from the cloud.
  8. ESET Protect MDR This managed security service includes a choice of software plans that provide endpoint protection, email security, vulnerability scanning, patch management, and threat detection. Endpoint agents for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
  9. CrowdStrike Falcon Spotlight A cloud-based vulnerability manager that works constantly rather than as a periodic scanner.
  10. OpenVAS This security system is free to use, and its full name is the Open Vulnerability Assessment System. Written for Linux but will run on Windows over a VM.

A vulnerability manager is also known as a vulnerability scanner. This tool will work through a list of known hacker strategies. Essentially, that’s all that a white hat hacker does in a pen-testing exercise.

Vulnerability management and pen testing

You might wonder, if vulnerability managers and pen testing perform the same task, when would you use each? As it is a software package, a vulnerability manager is cheaper than pen testers. On the other hand, the white hat hackers that perform pen-testing are highly skilled, and there aren’t many of them, so their rates are very high.

Given that vulnerability, managers are so much cheaper than pen testers; why bother with penetration testing? Although vulnerability managers have all of the techniques of hackers built into them, they don’t have intelligence. The vulnerability just looks for the system weaknesses that would let a hacker in. A pen tester can make instant decisions and take rough guesses that can shortcut procedural instructions.

The difference between vulnerability testing and penetration testing is that a vulnerability manager is organized, but a penetration tester is ingenious. You need both system checking strategies. Given the costs involved in penetration testing, it is conducted much less frequently than vulnerability scanning. Even vulnerability scanning doesn’t need to run continuously. A typical schedule for a vulnerability scan is once a month. You can then order an outside consultancy to perform penetration tests on your system once every six months or once a year.

The actual requirements for system security checks vary according to the system. For example, a very stable network with few innovations and a low rate of added software won’t need checks very often. On the other hand, a system that is constantly being expanded by an in-house development team will need more frequent inspections constantly expanding system.

The Best Vulnerability Managers

There are many vulnerability managers on the market today because it is a service that is very heavily in demand. Unfortunately, while some excellent tools are available, there are others that don’t cut the mustard, so you could get stuck with a vulnerability scan that is less than the best.

Our methodology for selecting vulnerability management software 

We reviewed the market for vulnerability scanners and analyzed tools based on the following criteria:

  • A vulnerability scanner that will run on demand and a schedule
  • The most significant possible number of known vulnerabilities in the scanner’s checklist
  • An easy-to-manage software package or cloud platform
  • The ability to link the results of the scanner to remediation actions
  • Process and results logging for later analysis
  • A way to test the system for free with a trial period, a demo, or a money-back guarantee
  • Good value for money, represented by extensive tests for a fair price

As well as taking into account these selection criteria, we made sure to find vulnerability managers that businesses that are all Windows or Linux-only can use.

1. Invicti (ACCESS FREE DEMO)

Invicti

Invicti is probably the best vulnerability management tool available for DevOps environments. This is mainly a good choice for the developers of Web applications. The Invicti tool can offer security advice at every stage of the CI/CD pipeline. The package includes Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) and Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST). It is suitable for developers during the build phase, by acceptance testers, when pushing through new development, and by the operations team to check on live systems.

Key Features:

  • Option for continuous testing
  • On-demand scans
  • Useful for CI/CD pipelines
  • Deployment options
  • DAST + SAST

Why do we recommend it?

Invicti is a Web application security tester that can be used to scan applications under development, at the point of acceptance testing, and during operations. In its operations phase usage, the service acts as a vulnerability scanner. This system tests third-party services and APIs in conjunction with assets developed by the customer.

Vulnerability scans by Invicti work through the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) list produced by The Mitre Corporation. As Invicti is geared towards developers of Web applications, these reported exploits are not enough. The system also has its method of heuristics that examines code under development for possible pitfalls and security glitches.

For an idea of what this service assesses, think of the coupling between functions and how data exchanges can be manipulated. With code under development, these weaknesses are not necessarily “known exploits” and would pass checks that just look for specific CVEs. However, the connections between modules are known to provide gaps that hackers will gladly squeeze into if it gives them a way in, so Invicti can spot those potential hazards before too much work has gone into developing the function.

Integration testing and acceptance testing need to look further at how the new code fits into the existing structure of a Web application or site. So, this offers another point in the pipeline where Invicti can help. It is even possible to automate the code movement through the testing phase by utilizing the integrations available in Invicti.

At the point of sandboxing a new application, Invicti will assess the required system settings that support the software. In addition, it will be looking at how the code uses system resources and examining whether the requirements for the software introduced system security vulnerabilities.

Once the code goes live, Invicti will continue to scan it, examining whether the live environment intrudes new vulnerabilities in the package or whether the new code weakens the security of an existing application.

As it is very focused on in-house development, Invicti is not so hot on patch management. When the software developers are in the back office, there is no point in looking to the supplier for a patch. However, the Invicti system can orchestrate responses to weaknesses with other security tools already operating on the network, particularly for the third-party software that the business uses.

Invicti is available as a cloud platform, and it is also possible to get the system as a software package for installation. The on-premises version runs on Windows and Windows Server. In addition, you can access a demo to assess Invicti.

Who is it recommended for?

This system can be used by businesses that are the consumers of Web applications, but the main market for the system lies with the developers and managers of Web services, such as SaaS platforms. The package is useful to screen third-party components before choosing them as parts of a development.

Pros:

  • Designed to support the CI/CD pipeline
  • Integrates with project management tools
  • Offers DAST and IAST system tests
  • Suitable for operations as well as developers
  • Monitors for CVEs and also identifies vulnerable code
  • Available as SaaS or for an on-premises installation

Cons:

  • It doesn’t include a patch manager

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Invicti offers comprehensive applications security checks for AppSec, DevSecOps, and DevOps teams. This service can be used for the development pipeline and to re-assess applications that are already live. The service includes Dynamic Application Security Testing and Interactive Application Security Testing to ensure that your new applications and Web pages are fully secure. Invicti will also scan all of your internal networks to secure the hardware and software that your company uses in-house.

Official Site: invicti.com/get-demo/

OS: Windows, Windows Server, or Cloud

2. NinjaOne Vulnerability Manager (FREE TRIAL)

NinjaOne Patch Management

NinjaOne Vulnerability Management is part of a remote monitoring and management (RMM) package that focuses on software vulnerabilities. The RMM provides a discovery service that will compile a software inventory for each endpoint. Continuous scanning of each protected endpoint identifies when new software is installed, keeping the inventory up to date. G2’s track record of recognizing NinjaOne, 11 times consecutively, accentuates its proficiency in Endpoint Management.

Key Features:

  • Software focused
  • A SaaS platform
  • Automated patching
  • Protects devices running Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Compliance audit trail

Why do we recommend it?

NinjaOne lets you set up a central configuration policy for endpoints and enforce that by applying those settings to every device. The tool then scans for software and ensures that those packages and the operating systems of all endpoints are kept up to date. Automated patching serves a large number of endpoints without the need for manual intervention.

The vulnerability scanner looks at the version numbers of all of the installed operating systems and software packages. This number indicates the patch status of each piece of software and gets updated each time a patch is applied.

Although the RMM allows technicians to set up a standard configuration for endpoints and apply it to all devices. The tool doesn’t scan for changes, and so it doesn’t cover the configuration aspect of vulnerability management.

This system will automatically monitor all network and server activity, looking for performance issues, while it also scans for new software to record in the inventory, and polls for updates from software suppliers.

If a patch becomes available for one of the software systems listed in the inventory, NinjaOne copies over the installer and queues it up for rollout at the next available maintenance window. Patches are applied out of office hours when endpoints are not in use, so the patch manager will wake up, reboot, and turn off computers when necessary.

Who is it recommended for?

The NinjaOne platform is a complete system monitoring and management package, so if you already have a monitoring system that you like and you only want a vulnerability manager, this package probably isn’t for you. The RM is ideal for managed service providers and in-house IT departments.

Pros:

  • A high degree of task automation
  • Improves technician productivity
  • Includes a companion backup and recovery service for data protection
  • Software license management
  • Cloud storage for activity logs

Cons:

  • No price list, need to get a tailored quote

NinjaOne doesn’t publish a price list, but you can register for a quote to match your needs..The tool is a SaaS platform and you sign up for the service at the company’s website. You can get a 14-day free trial to fully assess the RMM package.

NinjaOne Vulnerability Management Start a 14-day FREE Trial

3. Acunetix (ACCESS FREE DEMO)

Acunetix screenshot

Acunetix is a very flexible service because it is offered in three versions, each with different levels of automation, so depending on which edition you go for, you get an automated penetration testing tool or a vulnerability scanner.

Key Features:

  • Web vulnerability scanning
  • Network vulnerability scanning
  • Continuous testing option
  • PCI DSS, HIPAA, and ISO 27001

Why do we recommend it?

Acunetix is a Web application security tester that can drill through third-party APIs and framework functions to discover all of the supporting microservices. The system tests these systems to authorize them for use in development and also in conjunction with the newly created modules during acceptance testing and through its service life.

This is primarily a Web application scanner. It looks for the OWASP Top 10 in Web applications. These are known tricks that hackers use, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting. The tool will also scan through look services that support APIs, looking at microservices and serverless systems. In total, Acunetix scans for more than 7,000 Web vulnerabilities – that facility is included in all editions of the product.

Other services in the Acunetix bundle include an Interactive Applications Security Tester (IAST), called AcuSensor, the Acunetix Deep Scan crawler, and the Acunetix Out-of-Band Vulnerability Tester. These tools are available in all editions and can be run on demand. The plans also include a Web application discovery module that chains all services from a starting point in a user-facing system, such as a Web page. In addition, the local services vulnerability scanner will read through code written in JavaScript, .NET framework, and PHP.

The three different versions lend themselves to different deployment scenarios. For example, the Standard edition performs scans on-demand so that penetration testers would use this version. The two higher versions, called Premium and Acunetix 360, offer continuous automated vulnerability scanning.

Those two higher versions are both suitable for businesses that follow data privacy standards. They count towards compliance with PCI DSS, HIPAA, and ISO 27001. The Premium plan is ideal for IT operations departments because it also scans the internal network and internet-accessed Web applications. This network vulnerability scanner looks for more than 50,000 known vulnerabilities.

Both of the higher versions can be used for DevSecOps environments. However, the Acunetix 360 edition is more suitable for the CI/CD pipeline operating scenario because it includes a workflow creation and management system. In addition, constantly expanding system Acunetix offers static, dynamic, and interactive application testing features. These plans also include integrations for orchestrated development management, connecting through to tools such as GitLab, Jira, Jenkins, and Bugzilla.

One of the shortfalls of Acunetix is that it doesn’t include an associated patch manager or configuration manager to fix the problems that it discovers automatically. However, this package is more aimed at Web applications than standard third-party software packages, and that operating environment doesn’t usually produce software updates. However, if you opt for the Premium edition to secure your network, you can connect Acunetix results to a third-party patch manager.

Who is it recommended for?

You would use Acunetix as part of your development environment for the creation of Web applications. You can also extend this system to provide network vulnerability scanning by integrating the free OpenVAS system (see below). Like Invicti, this package is available as a SaaS package or for on-premises installation.

Pros:

  • Options for on-demand or continuous scanning
  • Scans for OWASP Top 10 and other Web vulnerabilities
  • DAST, SAST, and IAST scanning
  • An option for network vulnerabilities
  • Suitable for CI/CD pipelines
  • Integrations with project management tools

Cons:

  • No patch manager

Acunetix is offered on the Software-as-a-Service model from a cloud host. However, you can also opt to install the software on your host. The package will run on Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can assess Acunetix by accessing the demo system.

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4. Intruder (FREE TRIAL)

Intruder - SQL Injection scan screenshot

Intruder offers a range of plans from its cloud platform. Services from this provider start with a unlimited ad-hoc vulnerability scans. These vulnerability scans check websites for known exploits and also examine your network’s external profile. Once your vulnerability to outsiders has been assessed, the system conducts tests from within the network. In total, Intruder has a database of over 10,000 vulnerabilities to look for and conducts over 11,000 professional and open-source checks depending on what plan you are on.

Key Features:

  • List of 10,000 vulnerabilities
  • On-demand scans
  • Penetration testing option

Why do we recommend it?

The Intruder system is an external attack surface assessor that is available in plans that also provide internal vulnerability scanning. The price difference between the three plans is very big and so buyers of the service would be attracted to a specific plan – either external scans or frequent network scans.

The entry-level vulnerability scanning service is called the Essential edition. You can add on the ability to launch vulnerability scans on demand, automatic emerging threat scans, cloud account integration and API & developer integrations by choosing the higher Pro edition. This service also monitors possible problems with SSL/TLS certificates and gives you access to the network view. The Pro plan also releases research data on emerging threats to look out for.

The top-tier plan of Intruder is called the Vanguard edition. This gives you all of the vulnerability scanning features of the Pro edition plus the services of a human penetration testing team and extended vulnerability discovery.

Who is it recommended for?

The three plans of Intruder have different audiences. The lowest plan has a broad appeal for all businesses that want to ensure that hackers can’t get into their systems. The top plan is almost five times the price of the lowest plan and is probably too expensive for SMBs.

Pros:

  • A choice of service levels from a regular scan up to pen testing
  • Unlimited ad hoc scans and unlimited scheduled scans for the Pro version and upward
  • A hosted system that is managed and kept up to date
  • A database of over 10,000 exploits that covers websites as well as on-site equipment and software

Cons:

  • As with other tools in this list, they don’t provide an automated patch management solution

Plans start from $101/month when billed yearly. You can get a 14-day free trial of their Pro edition. All plans feature online chat support and detailed vulnerability assessment reports.

Intruder Access the 14-day FREE Trial

5. ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus (FREE TRIAL)

ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus Patches

ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus is the ultimate vulnerability management tool because it doesn’t just discover system security weaknesses; it fixes them. While it is common for a vulnerability management package to include both a vulnerability scanner and a patch manager, Vulnerability Manager Plus has many more utilities that act on the vulnerability scan results.

Key Features:

  • Vulnerability scanner with a patch manager
  • Zero-day vulnerability checker
  • Runs on a schedule

Why do we recommend it?

ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus is an on-premises scanner that operates within the network. It checks out endpoints running Windows and Linux and also network devices. The top package includes a patch manager, which also applies to devices running macOS. The service focuses on system misconfigurations and can automatically fix them.

The vulnerability scanner in the Vulnerability Manager Plus bundle scans operating systems, software, and system settings, looking for loopholes known as entry points for hackers. In addition to these standard checks, this scanner assesses other issues not yet listed as known hacker exploits that could be used for attacks. This protects your system against zero-day attacks, which are new strategies that no one has tried yet.

While many vulnerability management services give your system a scan once a month, the ManageEngine system runs every 90 minutes. First, it checks the network for all devices, so it can enroll new devices that you add between scans – you don’t have to set up that new device in the scanner dashboard. Next, the scanner ranks all of the system weaknesses and displays them all in a list ordered by priority.

If you gave the system permission, Vulnerability Management Plus would automatically trigger other modules to fix the problems that it discovers. But, first, it will run the automated Patch Manager. This service is included in the ManageEngine bundle, but it isn’t tied to the vulnerability manager. You can also use it yourself outside of the processes of Vulnerability Manager Plus.

The Patch Manager checks for patch availability, store the downloaders for them and then schedules them for installation. That schedule will work on a series of windows that you specify so that installation doesn’t disrupt normal office activities. It also orders patches accounting for any patch dependencies. Finally, if there is no patch available for the discovered vulnerability, Vulnerability Manager Plus provides a script that will implement a workaround.

Many system weaknesses are due to poorly managed device settings. Vulnerability Manager Plus includes a Configuration Manager that will reorganize those settings and then prevent changes to them. It will also examine all ports and ensure that those not in use are closed. Those that need to be opened will be password protected where possible.

The vulnerability scanner also produces a risk assessment of all of the software that it discovers. In some cases, it will show that a package makes the entire system vulnerable to attack and should be removed.

Who is it recommended for?

ManageEngine provides the Free edition of Vulnerability Manager Plus for small businesses with up to 25 endpoints. This delivers all of the functions available in the Professional edition, which includes the configuration scanning and repair functions. The Enterprise plan adds on the patch manager and compliance reporting.

Pros:

  • Performs vulnerability scans every 90 minutes
  • Discovers all of the devices connected to the network
  • Includes all of the utilities needed to repair discovered weaknesses
  • Automatically launches repair actions
  • Includes a patch manager and a configuration manager
  • Allows the system administrator to decide which actions should be automated

Cons:

  • No cloud service version

Vulnerability Manager Plus installs on Windows and Windows Server. It is available in three editions: Free, Professional, and Enterprise. The Free version is limited to managing 25 devices. The Professional edition is suitable for handling a LAN, and the Enterprise edition will cover multiple sites. You can get a 30-day free trial of the Professional edition.

ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus Access the 30-day FREE Trial

6. Heimdal Security Patch & Asset Management (FREE TRIAL)

Heimdal Patch and Assets Management

Heimdal Security Patch & Asset Management is a cloud-based SaaS system that provides software asset management and vulnerability detection. The package automatically resolves discovered weaknesses by patching out-of-date software.

Key Features:

  • Scans for software and creates an asset inventory
  • OS patching for Windows and Linux
  • Compliance reporting

Why do we recommend it?

Heimdal Security Patch & Asset Management creates a software inventory, which includes version numbers food each operating system installation and software package. The tool will scan devices running Windows and Linux but not macOS. The version numbers indicate patch status and the tool uses this to identify patch availability and install them.

The Patch and Asset Management tool is a SaaS module and is available along with a number of other cybersecurity services on the Heimdal platform. For example, the Patch and Asset Management tool is part of the Heimdal Security EDR package, including configuration scanning. So, you can get the patcher as a standalone system or integrated into a larger package.

Examining just the Patch and Asset Management system, we see that the system scans all of your endpoints and creates an asset inventory, detailing all operating system versions and listing all of the software on each device. The software inventory can also be used for license management.

The Patch and Asset Manager also allows you to manage the software installed on each endpoint. It includes a scheduler that can be used to deploy software as well as update it. The package provides scanning and patching for Windows and Linux plus any software packages running on computers with those operating systems.

The scheduler will order updates according to patch dependencies and it will also wake up computers to be updated and issue restart commands where the patch demands it. The service will run out of hours and you have to set up a calendar of maintenance periods in order to allow the system to avoid updating computers while they are in use.

The Heimdal system is able to shift execution times according to local time zones. That’s a handy feature for multinationals that centralize all of their IT asset management specialists in one location. Another strategy available with the Heimdal system is to prepare a package of updates and then notify the users that it is ready. Users can then choose to defer immediate updates and specify a time when the update can run.

Who is it recommended for?

The Heimdal system is a patch manager and not a full vulnerability scanner. A vulnerability manager should also be able to examine system configurations and you don’t get that with this package. However, the asset management functions add services, such as license management.

Pros:

  • Enables software deployment and updates
  • User-demanded update option
  • Adjusts to time-zones

Cons:

  • No self-hosting option

Heimdal Security is a SaaS platform with a range of cybersecurity modules. You need to contact the company for a consultation, to find out which of Heimdal’s systems is suitable for your business. You will get a 30-day free trial of all suitable products.

Heimdal Security Patch & Asset Management Get a 30-day FREE Trial

7. SecPod SanerNow (FREE TRIAL)

SecPod SanerNow Vulnerabilty Manager

SecPod SanerNow is a SaaS package that is hosted in the cloud and performs security protection for networks, endpoints, and cloud platforms. The system requires agents to be installed on the protected endpoints and cloud platforms. These gather information that is uploaded to the SanerNow server to create hardware and software inventories.

Key Features:

  • A vulnerability scanner for 160,000 weaknesses
  • The vulnerability list is updated daily
  • Suggested solutions

Why do we recommend it?

The SecPod SanerNow vulnerability manager is a cloud-based system but it is able to provide internal network scanning through the installation of an agent. It can scan network devices and also endpoints running Windows, macOS, and Linux. The tool can also scan cloud platforms. The package includes a patch manager.

Endpoint agents are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. All installed agents run in parallel when operating in vulnerability scanner mode. This simultaneous operation means that a standard system scan takes only five minutes to execute. One agent is nominated as a network vulnerability scanner. A Continuous Posture Anomaly Management unit in the platform performs vulnerability scanning for cloud services.

The vulnerability manager works from a list of weaknesses that is maintained on the SecPod server. This has a total of 160,000 conditions to look out for and it is revised daily to account for newly discovered threats. Scanning can be run continuously.

The discoveries of the scanners are uploaded to the SecPod cloud server where they are assessed. The console for the SanerNow system displays a summary of vulnerability scan results that groups discovered weaknesses by severity. This provides a prioritized list of problems that need to be dealt with.

Each vulnerability list entry suggests solutions when the issue is caused by lax device configurations. As the administrator fixes these weaknesses, the rerun of the vulnerability scan will update the console report and show a reduced number of vulnerabilities.

Security weaknesses that are caused by outdated software or operating systems can be dealt with automatically by the patch manager that is included in the platform. The SecPod server regularly checks the producers of operating systems and software packages for patches. When they are available, the server copies over the installers, verifies them, and then stores them in a library.

The patch manager instance running for an account holder analyzes the version numbers of discover software to identify which can be patched. In these cases, the patch is scheduled in the account patch management console and then rolled out to the relevant endpoints as soon as possible. The patch manager relies on a maintenance calendar that the account holder needs to set up.

Who is it recommended for?

SecPod provides per-device pricing for SanerNow, which makes it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The package is run in the cloud as a SaaS package with no upfront installation costs. This is a suitable service for all types and sizes of businesses and it provides an option for continuous vulnerability scanning.

Pros:

  • Continuous scanning of networks, endpoints, and cloud platforms
  • An automated patch manager
  • Compliance reporting

Cons:

  • Patching is only implemented for the 400 software packages that SecPod has shortlisted

All of the activities of the vulnerability scanner and the patch manager are logged. These records are stored and will provide compliance reporting for HIPAA, PCI DSS, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, and ISO. You can assess the SanerNow system with a 30-day free trial.

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8. ESET Protect MDR

ESET-Test MK_test display-1

ESET Protect MDR is a managed detection and response service that adds the services of security technicians to a range of endpoint protection and cloud security systems. The options on this menu of services include a vulnerability scanner that has an automatic patch manager associated with it.

Key Features:

  • Searches for a list of 35,000 vulnerabilities
  • Will fix out-of-date software
  • Prioritizes vulnerabilities

Why do we recommend it?

ESET Protect MDR provides the services of a team of cybersecurity experts as a managed service. The security operations center uses ESET software to provide security monitoring. This package includes a vulnerability scanner and a patch manager to resolve out-of-date software. The cybersecurity team will produce solutions for all other discovered weaknesses.

The vulnerability scanner can be run on demand or set up to run regularly on a schedule. The console for the service is based in the cloud and end clients are able to see there the discovered vulnerabilities. This console is central to the ESET Protect system and is available for those customers who prefer to buy the software without the managed service.

The weaknesses that the vulnerability scanner discovers are ordered by priority, with the most severe problems appearing first. This enables the technicians to tackle the biggest issues first.

Managed service providers can use this system to service their clients without the need for the ESET SOC team. This is because the cloud-based console that centralizes all of the functions of the ESET package is available in a multi-tenant architecture. This keeps the data of MSP clients separate.

The ESET Protect software includes endpoint protection software that identifies malware and intruders. This endpoint unit will also implement responses to shut down detected threats. Higher plans of the ESET Protect package add on a central, cloud-based threat hunting system. This can also be set up to automatically implement responses. These solutions are communicated to the ESET endpoint agent and also to third-party security tools.

The endpoint unit in the ESET Protect package is available for mobile devices as well as for computers. It will run on Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Who is it recommended for?

The MDR package is suitable for businesses that don’t have cybersecurity specialists on staff. It is also a cost-effective solution because the managed security service provider is able to benefit from efficiencies by using the same staff to monitor multiple clients. The ESET Protect software is also available without the MDR service for companies to use themselves and for MSPs for security monitoring for their clients.

Pros:

  • A security operations center for remote security monitoring
  • An option to buy the software without including the services of ESET technicians
  • A cloud-based system that unifies detection and response for an entire organization

Cons:

  • No free trial

The MDR service can be combined with any of the editions of ESET Protect and so there is no free trial for the entire package. However, once you have decided on the level of service you require, a 30-day free trial is available for that edition. The starting point for your investigation is to contact ESET

ESET Protect Contact ESET

9. CrowdStrike Falcon Spotlight

CrowdStrike Falcon Spotlight

CrowdStrike Falcon Spotlight is a vulnerability management module that forms part of the menu of services offered by CrowdStrike from its Falcon SaaS platform. CrowdStrike offers its cybersecurity modules in packages. Falcon Spotlight isn’t part of any package but it can be added on as an extra service.

Key Features:

  • Cloud-based
  • Continuous scanning
  • Fast processing

Why do we recommend it?

CrowdStrike Falcon Spotlight is part of the wider Falcon platform of cybersecurity tools. This platform, CriwdStrike Falcon, provides an XDR system and the Spotlight unit can be added to that system to provide preventative vulnerability scanning. The scanner shares the system information gathered by the Falcon agents on a protected site.

All of the CrowdStrike Falcon services operate in the cloud but need to gather information from devices on your site or the cloud platforms where you have accounts. While gathering data for those other services, the Falcon agents also provide all of the source information needed by Falcon Spotlight. Therefore, there is no extra software that you need to install in order to get Spotlight added to your Falcon account.

Falcon Spotlight sifts through all of the data that is constantly being uploaded by Falcon agents. This means that the vulnerability manager is always on. This is not a scanner that gets run once a month or on demand. It works all of the time, so you get to know about exploits exposing your system security as quickly as possible.

The dashboard screens for Falcon Spotlight are integrated into the cloud-based console for all Falcon services, which you access through any standard Web browser. The vulnerability manager’s page is brightly colored, well laid out, and attractive. The screen shows you how many exploits have been spotted over time and lists the latest discoveries.

The system weaknesses that Falcon Spotlight searches for is an ever-changing list. New vulnerabilities are always being discovered and exploited by hackers all over the world. As soon as a new attack strategy is launched against one CrowdStrike customer, all of the Spotlight instances running around the globe get updated with this new attack information. CrowdStrike is often faster than the developers of the compromised software at identifying a new weakness, so a patch for the problem might not be instantly available.

One weakness of this vulnerability manager is that it doesn’t come with a patch manager bundled into it. However, you can browse the patch manager recommendations that we make elsewhere on this site.

Who is it recommended for?

The shared usage of on-site agents by all of the units on the Falcon platform provides efficiency. However, it also means that it is impossible to buy Spotlight as a standalone package. The agent is actually a full antimalware system, called Falcon Prevent and it needs to be installed on every endpoint.

Pros:

  • Integrated into the Falcon platform dashboard
  • Identifies system security weaknesses
  • Recommends updates to fix security loopholes

Cons:

  • No self-hosting option

Falcon Spotlight is quick to get running and operates at lightning speed. It is constantly updated with new threat intelligence and the software, hosted on the CrowdStrike servers in the cloud is updated and maintained for you. This is a very efficient vulnerability management solution. Get access to a 15-day free trial.

10. OpenVAS

OpenVAS GSD

The full name of OpenVAS is the Open Vulnerability Assessment System. This is an open-source project, which means it is free to use. You might not jump straight to this option because some businesses have a policy of only using software that is professionally supported. OpenVAS doesn’t have that feature. However, as it is free, you could install it and use it as a benchmark to judge the other vulnerability management tools you test. It isn’t unreasonable to expect that a paid product should be better than this free scanner.

Key Features:

  • Free to use
  • 50,000 vulnerabilities
  • Network vulnerabilities

Why do we recommend it?

OpenVAS is a highly respected free, open-source vulnerability scanner. Like many successful open-source tools, this package is maintained by a for-profit business. Greenbone tends to use OpenVAS as a marketing tool for its paid systems. So, you will be pushed to buy the Greenbone Enterprise Appliance instead.

The active community that uses OpenVAS is contactable through a community message board. That can be a good source of guidance on using the tool and vulnerability assessments in general. In addition, the vulnerability database is composed of network vulnerability tests (NVTs). Other users of OpenVAS supply these, and the list includes more than 50,000 conditions.

There is a paid version of OpenVAS, which is called Greenbone Vulnerability Management. That has a commercially gathered NVT database and also provides professional support. However, that product is challenging to acquire because Greenbone doesn’t sell its products direct.

OpenVAS installs on Linux, and it is integrated into Kali Linux. Therefore, it is possible to run it on Windows over a VM. This system has a GUI interface and can also be used as a command-line utility.

Who is it recommended for?

OpenVAS is referred to by its supplier as the Greenbone Community Edition because the company is trying to gain brand recognition from its investment in the free tool. OpenVAS is relatively easy to use and it doesn’t take much training to understand how to set up a scan.

Pros:

  • Open source and, therefore, adaptable
  • Free to use
  • Suitable constantly expanding system as an introduction to vulnerability scanning

Cons:

  • No associated patch manager
  • No professional support

The vulnerability scanner is integrated into Greenbone Security Manager as the trial version, which you can download for free.

Vulnerability Management FAQs

What is a vulnerability management tool?

A vulnerability management tool scans a system, looking through every operating system and software package for known weaknesses that hackers can exploit. Many weaknesses are already known by software producers and they can be fixed by applying a patch. Other weaknesses relate to system settings, which can be corrected to tighten security.

How do you manage vulnerability management?

The management process for vulnerability management involves five phases:

  1. Scoping
  2. Definition of roles and responsibilities
  3. Select tools for the task
  4. Draw up project requirements and service level agreements
  5. Conext assessment

Why do we need vulnerability management?

Vulnerability management ensures that all of your IT assets are hardened against attacks. You should be careful not to make hacker and malware attacks easy to implement. If your system is secure, it is less likely to be damaged by malicious activity.