If you’re responsible for the security of an online business, you understand the critical need for robust website protection. Neglecting website security can lead to severe repercussions, including data breaches and hacking incidents, which can damage your reputation and cause significant financial losses.
While the pressure to maintain top-notch security can be intense, vulnerability scanners offer a practical solution to safeguard your enterprise website. These security tools are designed to identify and report weaknesses within your IT infrastructure, effectively minimizing the risk of cyberattacks.
In this guide, we will delve into the importance of vulnerability scanning tools and discuss essential factors to consider when selecting the right one for your needs. Finally, we’ll compare ten of the best options available to enhance your web security strategy.
Why Website Vulnerability Scanning is Crucial
Let’s first clarify what vulnerability scanning is and why it’s so vital for website security.
Vulnerability scanners are automated systems designed to examine web applications for security loopholes. They detect misconfigurations, missing security patches, exposed vulnerabilities, and various other security issues. These scans typically deliver actionable insights, enabling you to address weaknesses in your IT infrastructure proactively.
High-quality vulnerability scanners often provide detailed context about identified issues, helping you understand their potential impact and severity. There are different types of vulnerability scanners to suit various needs.
Some scanners are designed for integration directly into your website, operating on the site’s server and gaining access to the codebase. Conversely, penetration testing tools analyze your site externally, identifying information exposed to the internet.
These external tools make informed assumptions about the software running on your site. While not a complete security solution on their own, they are valuable for revealing what an attacker might see when attempting to breach your website.
By using these tools, you can enhance your defenses against common online attacks such as SQL injections, brute force attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, and command injections.
For enterprises with increasingly complex IT systems, implementing vulnerability scanning tools is not just beneficial—it’s essential.
Larger business websites, which typically handle more data, become prime targets for hackers. Therefore, growing enterprises must prioritize the security of sensitive customer information.
Simply put, utilizing preventative security tools significantly reduces the likelihood of data breaches, data loss or theft, and unauthorized system access. This is particularly important considering that the average cost of a data breach in 2023 was estimated at a staggering $4.45 million USD.
Key Factors in Choosing a Website Vulnerability Scanner
Now that we’ve established the importance of vulnerability scanning, let’s explore the key factors to consider when choosing a scanner for your website.
1. Scanning Coverage
For a comprehensive security solution, examine the core scanning capabilities of any tool you consider. Key questions to ask include: Is the vulnerability database sourced from a reputable and high-quality source? How effectively does the tool handle false positives?
Consider the frequency of scans and whether the scan results are validated by security experts. Opt for a vulnerability scanner capable of performing scans behind logins and firewalls for thorough coverage.
Also, evaluate the breadth of your scanning needs. Do you need to cover only IoT and network equipment, or extend scans to containers and other infrastructure components?
2. Vulnerability Database Quality
Vulnerability scanners rely on databases of known vulnerabilities. These databases are extensive catalogs of software and firmware weaknesses that the scanner uses to identify potential issues within your infrastructure.
A more comprehensive vulnerability database leads to more effective and thorough vulnerability scans. The best solutions continuously update and aggregate information from diverse sources.
These sources can include other vulnerability databases, threat intelligence systems, community contributions, and academic research. Ideally, the database should be expertly curated and rigorously vetted by a team of security professionals.
3. Scan Accuracy and Speed
When website security is paramount, speed and accuracy are critical. However, scan speed is influenced by various factors.
Manual scan initiation requires setup time. Web server response time also significantly affects scan duration.
The number of HTTP requests a scanner makes during an automated scan depends on website size, complexity, and configured vulnerability checks. High server response times when thousands of requests are sent will extend scan times.
Slow internet connections between the scanner and the application can also prolong scans. Additionally, post-scan actions to verify report accuracy can be time-consuming.
Manual verification of found vulnerabilities demands significant expertise, skills, and time. Therefore, choose a tool that automatically verifies findings, reducing false positives and presenting exploit reports in a safe, read-only format.
4. Ease of Use
Vulnerability scanning is a fundamental security practice, so the tools should be user-friendly. Even with a dedicated IT team, the scanning process should be intuitive and provide actionable recommendations.
Look for tools with simple setup procedures, automated scans, user-friendly graphical interfaces, comprehensive reports, third-party integrations, and vulnerability prioritization features.
Furthermore, the tool should facilitate easy configuration of user roles and permissions.
5. Integration and Customization Options
Seamless integration with existing systems is essential for vulnerability scanners. Depending on your IT infrastructure, decide between an on-premise tool or a SaaS solution.
For enterprises with highly restricted environments, on-premise scanners might be preferable. Cloud-based or hybrid operations may benefit more from SaaS solutions.
Consider these integration aspects when choosing a tool:
- Installation simplicity
- Ease of administration
- Deployment options (SaaS, on-premise, Docker container)
- Automation capabilities
- Export methods to ticketing systems or SIEM solutions
Customization is also vital. The tool should be adaptable to your specific needs. Configure custom settings to optimize scan performance and efficiency.
Define scan targets, set exclusions, adjust scan frequency, or create schedules. Some enterprises might require setting scan permissions to control report access. Customizable alerts and notifications are also crucial for timely updates.
6. Reporting and Vulnerability Prioritization
Comprehensive reports with actionable post-scan tasks are essential for improving IT infrastructure security. Tools offering intelligent scoring systems are highly beneficial.
These systems rank discovered vulnerabilities by severity. Many scanners use the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), assigning a numerical score (0-10) to each vulnerability.
This scoring aids in vulnerability prioritization. Scores of ten indicate critical, highly exploitable vulnerabilities. However, scoring alone is often insufficient for thorough prioritization.
Consider the context and impact of vulnerabilities on your specific environment. A vulnerability affecting a critical system or posing legal risks should be prioritized higher than one in an isolated system.
Seek scanners that go beyond basic scoring. Solutions that categorize and classify vulnerabilities by urgency, severity, and impact are ideal.
7. Vendor Reputation, Support, and Community
Choose established, reputable vendors with proven expertise. Research vendors thoroughly before committing.
Examine tool documentation, past updates, forums, and customer reviews. Trustpilot is a good resource for vendor reviews.
Customer support accessibility and responsiveness are crucial, especially for security solutions. Look for vendors offering support via live chat, phone, and email.
Ensure support teams are responsive and knowledgeable in security and the software. Prompt support minimizes potential damage from malfunctioning scans or other issues.
A vendor with a strong community of contributors and developers is also advantageous. Communities facilitate knowledge sharing and often contribute to vulnerability databases, making them more comprehensive.
Top 10 Vulnerability Scanning Tools for 2024
Now, let’s explore ten of the best vulnerability scanning tools available in 2024.
1. WPScan (WordPress Vulnerability Database API)
For WordPress-specific vulnerability scanning, WPScan is a leading service. It integrates with your existing tools, providing direct access to data on WordPress vulnerabilities, plugin vulnerabilities, and theme vulnerabilities.
WPScan keeps you informed of the latest threats, enhancing your WordPress security. The database is constantly updated, with hundreds of new vulnerabilities added monthly.
Vulnerabilities are sourced from developers, researchers, and the WPScan team, with each manually verified by security experts to minimize false positives. As a CVE Numbering Authority (CNA), WPScan directly assigns CVE numbers for researcher-submitted vulnerabilities.
Key Features
- Direct access to a vulnerability database established in 2014
- Over 48,000 known security vulnerabilities
- CVE numbers and CVSS risk scores for vulnerabilities
- Vulnerability details by ID
- Slack and HTTP Webhooks
- Many vulnerabilities vetted by security experts
- Vulnerabilities from diverse sources (community, researchers, etc.)
- API access for integrating data into in-house services
- Instant email alerts
Pros
- Easy setup and integration
- Identifies latest threats for proactive protection
- Comprehensive reports
- Active community
- Straightforward user experience
Cons
- Not a pre-built tool
Ease of Use
WPScan WordPress Vulnerability Database API is ideal for enterprises preferring database integration over external scanners or plugins. Integrate the database into existing systems or build custom security products.
Setup involves creating a user account and obtaining an API token. Enterprise customers can download WPScan data using cURL commands.
Price
Commercial use requires a paid license for WPScan API access. Contact the WPScan team for a custom quote.
2. Jetpack Protect
Jetpack Protect offers a user-friendly, hands-off WordPress security solution. Powered by the WPScan database, it reports vulnerabilities in your installed software.
Unlike API integration, Jetpack Protect is an out-of-the-box plugin. It provides accurate insights and a range of other security features.
Setup is simple—install the plugin. The free version is robust, and upgrading to the paid version adds malware scans, instant notifications, and an automated web application firewall (WAF).
Key Features
- Full WPScan database
- Daily vulnerability scans
- Detects vulnerabilities in core software, plugins, and themes
- Daily malware scans (premium)
- One-click fixes (premium)
- Web application firewall (premium)
- Instant email notifications (premium)
- Priority support from WordPress experts (premium)
Pros
- Free version available
- Out-of-the-box solution
- Frequent updates
- Easy to configure and extend with features
Cons
- Some users report slow loading times
- Connects via WordPress.com account
Ease of Use
Pre-built tools like Jetpack Protect are exceptionally easy to set up. Simply install and activate the plugin on your WordPress site.
Configure settings in the Jetpack dashboard to tailor it to your specific security needs.
Price
Jetpack Protect is available for free. Upgrade to Jetpack Security for $9.95 per month for enhanced features.
3. WPScan CLI Scanner
WPScan CLI Scanner is a penetration testing tool for WordPress sites. It operates externally, assessing publicly exposed information without privileged access.
While less comprehensive than WPScan API or Jetpack Protect, it serves a different, valuable purpose in your security arsenal. It makes educated guesses about installed plugins and themes.
This scanner is useful for understanding what information an attacker can glean when probing your site’s security. Strong website security (WAFs, access controls) will limit the information the CLI scanner reveals. It’s a vital first step or addition to any WordPress security checklist.
Key Features
- Powered by the WPScan database
- Penetration testing approach
- Educated guesses about plugin and theme vulnerabilities
- Identifies weak passwords, exposed error logs, database dumps, and wp-config.php files
Pros
- Free to use
- Provides quick results
Cons
- Less comprehensive than other WPScan solutions
Ease of Use
WPScan CLI Scanner is open-source. Access it via GitHub and install it using the command: “gem install wpscan”.
Price
WPScan CLI Scanner is completely free.
4. Probely
Probely is a web application and API vulnerability scanner that identifies vulnerabilities and provides detailed remediation guidance. It automatically adjusts vulnerability severity based on context and provides evidence to validate findings.
Probely uses a next-generation spider to crawl and index JavaScript and single-page applications. It detects over 30,000 potential vulnerabilities with a low false positive rate of 0.06 percent.
Key Features
- Scheduled scanning
- Partial scans
- Blackout scanning periods
- Behind-firewall scans
- Headless-Chrome-based spider
- 0.06 percent false positive rate
- CI/CD pipeline integration
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Easy to use
- Simple installation and integration
- WordPress-specific features
- In-depth vulnerability explanations
Cons
- Scans of large applications can be lengthy
Ease of Use
Probely focuses on actionable vulnerabilities and provides clear remediation instructions. Access a knowledge base of known vulnerabilities with details like CVSS scores and severity grades.
Integrate Probely into systems via APIs. Support is available through the Help Center.
Price
Probely offers a free trial, but the Enterprise solution is priced at $665 per month.
5. OpenVAS
OpenVAS, by Greenbone, is an open-source scanner using a vulnerability feed updated daily with a long history. Greenbone maintains two feeds: Enterprise and Community.
The base feed is identical, with the Enterprise feed being more extensive, including additional vulnerability tests and compliance policies.
Scans check systems (servers, firewalls, switches) for known and potential security gaps, examining attributes like operating system, open ports, installed software, user accounts, and system configurations.
Detected vulnerabilities are evaluated by severity for prioritization and remediation.
Key Features
- Vulnerabilities based on CVEs, vendor advisories, and other sources
- Over 150,000 vulnerability tests (Enterprise feed)
- Daily updates and rapid availability of tests for new vulnerabilities
- Multi-stage quality assurance processes
- Custom scan configurations
- Vulnerabilities screened in Greenbone labs
- Compliance policies for CIS Benchmarks and IT-Grundschutz
- Security response team with encrypted email option
Pros
- Free version available
- Custom configuration
- Active community
- Detailed documentation and tutorials
Cons
- Outdated UI
- More technical setup
- Limited OS support
Ease of Use
OpenVAS offers a functional interface, but it’s less user-friendly than alternatives, especially for beginners. Customer support could be more accessible. However, a strong community offers assistance.
Price
OpenVAS is free to download and install. Enterprise feed access requires contacting Greenbone for pricing.
6. Acunetix
Acunetix features advanced crawling to find vulnerabilities across all web pages, including password-protected areas. Combining DAST and IAST scanning, it detects over 7,000 vulnerabilities.
It protects against SQL injections, XSS attacks, misconfigurations, and exposed databases, revealing vulnerabilities in real-time. You can receive 90% of results before scans are halfway complete.
Schedule recurring scans, prioritize vulnerabilities by severity, and scan multiple environments simultaneously. Pinpoint exact vulnerability locations, even viewing lines of code needing fixes.
Key Features
- Supports script-heavy sites, multi-level forms, and password-protected areas
- Unlimited users at no extra cost
- On-premise or cloud deployment
- Vulnerability location pinpointing
- Remediation guidance and developer ticket generation
- One-time or recurring scans
- Vulnerability prioritization by risk
- Over 7,000 vulnerabilities detected
Pros
- Graphical UI
- In-depth reports
- Responsive tech support
- Extensive documentation
- Strong integrations
Cons
- Significant server/network requirements for on-premise deployment
- Less intuitive report customization and scan setup
Ease of Use
Acunetix offers a user-friendly interface and customizable reporting. Automate scans and benefit from features like vulnerability prioritization and location pinpointing. Scans are fast and efficient.
Price
Contact Acunetix to get a quote for enterprise pricing.
7. Tenable Nessus
Tenable Nessus is a popular vulnerability scanner with over two million downloads, claiming the industry’s lowest false positive rate (six-sigma accuracy).
With 25+ years of experience and community feedback, Nessus delivers comprehensive vulnerability assessments, deployable on any platform and extensible to internet-connected assets.
Utilize over 450 pre-configured templates to identify vulnerabilities. Nessus groups similar vulnerabilities for easier prioritization and remediation in a single thread.
Key Features
- Unlimited IT vulnerability assessments
- Customizable reports
- Security audits
- Live Results for offline assessments with plugin updates
- Grouped View for simplified remediation and Snooze feature
- Prebuilt scanning policies (Expert plan)
- External attack surface scans (Expert plan)
- Cloud infrastructure scans (Expert plan)
Pros
- Easy setup and customization
- Active community
- Great customer support
- Informative reports
Cons
- Expensive, no free plan
- Accuracy may require result verification
Ease of Use
Tenable Nessus has an intuitive UX with a resource center offering actionable tips. Features like Grouped View simplify tasks like vulnerability prioritization.
Price
Nessus Professional starts at $3,590 per year for a single license. Nessus Expert is $5,290 per year. Training and advanced support are extra.
8. Qualys
Qualys is a complete vulnerability management solution for cloud and SaaS environments, boasting 99.99966% accuracy, virtually eliminating false positives. It offers full data control and APIs for system connections.
Qualys categorizes known and unknown assets, both internal and internet-exposed. Vulnerability prioritization is advanced, considering exploitation likelihood to identify highest-risk vulnerabilities, assets, and systems. Qualys automates patching, remediating threats up to 60% faster than competitors.
Key Features
- 25+ threat intelligence feeds with over 200,000 vulnerabilities
- Visibility across IT, OT, cloud, and IoT assets
- 850 out-of-the-box policies
- Perimeter and behind-firewall scans
- Extensible APIs
- Six sigma accuracy
Pros
- User-friendly dashboard
- Regular updates
Cons
- Limited customer support
- Lacking documentation
- Reported feature issues
- Learning curve
Ease of Use
Qualys can be challenging to implement initially. It uses its own ID system, complicating CVE correlation. Once mastered, reports are clear and understandable.
Price
Contact Qualys for pricing. A free trial is available.
9. Nuclei
Nuclei uses a templating library to scan web applications, cloud infrastructure, and networks for vulnerabilities. It’s community-powered with 700+ contributors and 7,000+ templates.
It finds exposed panels, public tokens, and vulnerabilities beyond CVEs, including database vulnerabilities, access control issues, and insecure configurations. Integrate Nuclei into CI/CD to minimize vulnerability recurrence.
Key Features
- 700+ contributors (security engineers, bug bounty hunters)
- Subdomain takeover detection
- 7,000+ templates
- Vulnerability location pinpointing
- Server configuration audits
- API testing
- Database assessments
Pros
- Fast scanning
- Free to use
- Highly customizable
- Simple installation
- Standalone or integrated use
Cons
- Requires Golang environment
Ease of Use
Review Nuclei’s documentation for best use, but setup and use are relatively simple. Use commands for single targets, network services, or multiple targets. Template filtering customizes scans.
Price
Nuclei is a free, community-powered vulnerability scanner.
10. StackHawk
StackHawk specializes in application and API security testing (REST, GraphQL, gRPC, SOAP APIs). It excels in vulnerability prioritization.
StackHawk categorizes findings by severity and impact, helping prioritize critical vulnerabilities. It provides CVEs, severity ratings, and actionable fixes.
A standout feature is cURL generator for recreating and validating findings. See vulnerability locations in code with audit logs and comments for easy remediation.
Key Features
- Complete API testing
- Iterative and local testing
- CI/CD pipeline integration
- Vulnerability prioritization
- Detailed vulnerability information
- Validation with cURL generator
- DAST and SAST results correlation
Pros
- Great customer support
- Detailed documentation
- Customization options
- Intuitive dashboard
- Easy integration
Cons
- Setup can be less intuitive
- Slow scans for large APIs
Ease of Use
StackHawk claims setup takes under an hour. Account creation and configuration file setup allow for scans in under 15 minutes. Detailed documentation, demos, and blog posts are available. Enterprise plan offers email, chat, Slack, and Zoom support.
Price
StackHawk offers a free version. Enterprise plan is $59 per month annually. Custom pricing available; contact sales.
Comparison of Top Vulnerability Scanning Tools
| Feature | WPScan (API) | Jetpack Protect | WPScan (CLI) | Probely | OpenVAS | Acunetix | Tenable Nessus | Qualys | Nuclei | StackHawk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free version | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Vulnerability Prioritization | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Limited) | Yes | Yes |
| WordPress-Specific | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (Features) | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Customizable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduled scans | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Easy setup | Possible | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
What Defines a High-Quality Vulnerability Scanner?
Having reviewed the top vulnerability scanning tools, let’s define the key characteristics of a quality scanner.
1. Speed and Efficiency
Vulnerability scanners are often the first line of defense in web security, making speed and efficiency crucial.
Automation is key for recurring scans and scheduled scans eliminate manual initiation.
Scan duration varies based on internet connection and website complexity. Comprehensive scans may take longer but provide more value. “Instant” scans are quick but may be less thorough than robust tools that may take hours.
2. Comprehensive Database and Timely Updates
Scanners rely on vulnerability databases. A quality scanner has a large, comprehensive database of known vulnerabilities, updated frequently.
Solutions existing for over five years often have more extensive vulnerability lists. Daily database updates are ideal for timely threat detection.
3. Ease of Use and Customization
Even with expert IT teams, scanners should be easy to set up and configure. Top tools like Jetpack and WPScan offer simple plugin activation or API connections.
Customization is equally important. Tools should be adaptable to specific needs, offering configurable scans, exclusions, and clear, user-friendly reports.
4. Reporting and Actionable Insights
Thorough, well-categorized scan results are essential. Tools grouping similar vulnerabilities aid remediation.
Prioritization by severity, context, and impact is critical, allowing focus on high-risk issues first.
Actionable information, not vague descriptions, is key. Clear guidance and instructions for remediation tasks are vital for efficient security improvements.
5. Community and Developer Support
Many top scanners are open-source, offering access to communities of security experts, developers, and researchers.
Community feedback often enhances vulnerability databases. Forums provide immediate support and user insights.
WPScan: Embodying Quality for WordPress Security
For WordPress sites, choose a scanner specifically designed for the CMS. WPScan is tailored for WordPress, identifying issues in installations, plugins, and themes.
WPScan’s database of nearly 50,000 vulnerabilities is continuously updated by WordPress security professionals. Access the database in multiple ways:
- Flexible API for integrating into existing systems.
- Jetpack Protect plugin, powered by WPScan, for an out-of-the-box solution.
- WPScan CLI Scanner to assess publicly exposed information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s address common questions about vulnerability scanning tools.
What is a Vulnerability Scanning Tool?
A vulnerability scanning tool identifies vulnerabilities in IT infrastructure, networks, and systems. Scans generate reports with actionable advice for remediation.
What are the Benefits of Using a Tool for Website Vulnerability Scanning?
Vulnerability scanners help prevent online attacks like SQL injections and XSS attacks, which can lead to data breaches. They identify weaknesses before criminals exploit them.
How Do Vulnerability Scanners Stay Updated with the Latest Threats?
Updated vulnerability databases are crucial. Providers like WPScan rely on active communities, security experts, and researchers to identify and vet new vulnerabilities for database updates.
What Kind of Support Can I Expect from Vulnerability Scanner Providers?
Top providers offer premium support via email, phone, and live chat, along with free resources like forums, knowledge bases, and documentation.
Are There Scanners for Specific CMS Platforms, Like WordPress?
Yes, WPScan is specifically designed for WordPress. It offers API integration and the Jetpack Protect plugin for WordPress vulnerability scanning.
How Does WPScan Differentiate Itself from Other Vulnerability Scanners?
WPScan has a comprehensive database of nearly 50,000 WordPress vulnerabilities, including core, plugin, and theme vulnerabilities. It is constantly updated and offers API integration.
How Does WPScan Maintain Its Database and Ensure Timely Updates?
WPScan’s community contributes to database maintenance. Vulnerability submissions are triaged, reviewed, and prioritized. Enterprise plans include instant email notifications of newly discovered threats.
WPScan: The Premier Vulnerability Scanning Asset for WordPress Sites
WPScan is a premium service tailored for WordPress websites, featuring an extensive database of nearly 50,000 vulnerabilities, all vetted by security experts.
Access WPScan via:
- API connection for seamless integration.
- Jetpack Protect plugin for an out-of-the-box solution.
- WPScan CLI Scanner for penetration testing insights.
These options provide in-depth vulnerability information for WordPress core, plugins, and themes.
The Best Vulnerability Scanners for Web Security
Vulnerability scanners are essential for web security, preventing costly cybersecurity threats and reputational damage. Effective tools are readily available, including WPScan with its frequently updated database and free options like Probely.
WPScan offers the latest WordPress vulnerability data, an expert-vetted database, flexible API, and instant updates. Contact a WordPress vulnerability expert today!
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