Nessus is a popular vulnerability scanning tool developed by Tenable Network Security. It is designed to help organizations identify and assess vulnerabilities in their network infrastructure, web applications, and other systems. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to navigate and maximize the use of the Nessus platform, particularly for new users.

Getting Started

When you first log in to Nessus, you will be greeted by the main dashboard. Here, you can see an overview of your scan activity, recent scans, and any critical vulnerabilities that need attention. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the layout and navigation options available.

Creating and Running Scans

To get started with Nessus, you'll need to create and run scans. Here are the steps:

  1. Click on the "Scans" tab in the top navigation menu.
  2. Click on the "New Scan" button to create a new scan.
  3. Configure the scan settings, such as target hosts, scan policy, and scan frequency.
  4. Click on the "Launch" button to start the scan.
  5. Monitor the scan progress and view the results once the scan is completed.

Interpreting Scan Results

Once a scan is completed, you can view the results by clicking on the scan name in the scans list. Nessus provides detailed information about vulnerabilities found, including severity levels, recommended actions, and solution references.

Make sure to prioritize vulnerabilities based on their severity levels and take appropriate actions to mitigate them. You can also generate reports to share with other team members or stakeholders for further analysis and decision-making.

Advanced Features and Customizations

Nessus offers many advanced features and customization options to enhance your scanning experience. Here are a few examples:

  • Scan Policies: Customize scan policies based on your specific requirements and compliance standards.
  • Plugin Selection: Fine-tune your scans by selecting specific plugins to run.
  • Asset Management: Use the asset management feature to track and manage your network assets.
  • Integrations: Integrate Nessus with other security tools for a more comprehensive vulnerability management workflow.
  • API: Leverage the Nessus API to automate scan scheduling, result retrieval, and reporting.

Resources and Support

If you ever need help or have questions about using Nessus, there are plenty of resources available:

  • Visit the Tenable Support website for documentation, guides, and FAQs.
  • Join the Nessus community and engage with other users through forums and discussion groups.
  • Consider enrolling in training courses or webinars to further enhance your skills and knowledge.

Remember, user onboarding is an ongoing process. Keep exploring and experimenting with Nessus to maximize its capabilities and stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities in your environment.

Conclusion

Nessus is a powerful tool for identifying and managing vulnerabilities in your network infrastructure. By following the steps outlined in this guide and exploring the various features and customizations, you can effectively navigate and make the most of the Nessus platform for improved security and risk management.