Scanners

Scanners are tools used to enhance network security. They can help identify vulnerabilities, detect services and operating systems, and discover networks. Incorporating data from scanners, in addition to existing security tools, enables organizations to take a more holistic approach to vulnerability management. 

Some types of scanners include:

• Port scanners: Detect open ports and running services on a target host
• Network scanners: Discover IP addresses, topology, and operating systems
• Vulnerability scanners: Gather information about known vulnerabilities in a target
• Authenticated scanners: Also called “credentialed scans”, these scans use the access privileges of an authorized user to perform a deeper analysis
• External scanners: Focus on systems that face the internet, like web servers and cloud services
• Internal scanners: Conducted within the network infrastructure, these scans focus on strengthening applications and resources against internal threats

Additional Resources

• Close the Vulnerability Gap: Using Better Intelligence for Better Prioritization
• Optimizing Your Vulnerability and Exposure Management Strategy Part 2 of 7: Are Vulnerability Scanners Dead?