WM

Wipro Managed Security

OpenVAS is an open-source vulnerability scanner that serves as the foundation for Greenbone's commercial vulnerability management platform, providing comprehensive network security testing capabilities.

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About

OpenVAS stands as one of the most widely deployed open-source vulnerability scanners in the cybersecurity industry. Originally developed as part of the Greenbone Security Platform, it provides organizations with comprehensive network vulnerability assessment capabilities without licensing costs.

The scanner operates through an extensive feed-based system that delivers regular updates of vulnerability tests and security checks. These feeds include Network Vulnerability Tests (NVTs) that cover thousands of known vulnerabilities across operating systems, applications, and network services. The platform performs authenticated and unauthenticated scans to identify security weaknesses in target systems.

OpenVAS distinguishes itself through its modular architecture and extensive customization options. Security professionals can configure scan policies, create custom vulnerability tests, and integrate the scanner with existing security workflows. The platform supports various scan types including full system scans, targeted assessments, and compliance audits against industry standards.

The solution serves as the scanning engine for Greenbone's commercial Greenbone Security Manager (GSM) appliances and Greenbone Enterprise solutions. This dual approach allows organizations to start with the open-source version and migrate to commercial offerings as their needs scale. Enterprise users benefit from professional support, enhanced reporting capabilities, and streamlined management interfaces.

Organizations across industries rely on OpenVAS for regular vulnerability assessments, compliance reporting, and security baseline establishment. Security teams use it for continuous monitoring, penetration testing preparation, and risk assessment activities. The scanner's ability to handle large network environments makes it suitable for both small businesses and enterprise deployments.

Within the broader vulnerability management landscape, OpenVAS provides an accessible entry point for organizations building security assessment capabilities. Its open-source nature enables security researchers and practitioners to contribute to vulnerability detection methodologies while maintaining cost-effective scanning operations. The platform's integration with other security tools and its API capabilities support automated security workflows and threat intelligence sharing initiatives.