Daily Post October 2 2025
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OpenVAS
This is a component of the Greenbone Community Edition, a open-source vulnerability scanning solution. It serves as the engine behind the Greenbone Enterprise appliances while being available independently as part of the Greenbone Vulnerability Management (GVM) system. OpenVAS stands is a potent tool designed to run vulnerability scans using a continuously updated feed of tests, known as Vulnerability Tests (VTs). This scanner is regularly enhanced by the Greenbone community and company to detect security weaknesses across a broad range of networked devices and software environments.
How It Works
OpenVAS functions to discover vulnerabilities in computer networks, such as unpatched software, misconfigurations, and exposure to known exploits. Scanning devices in a network helps identify security gaps that malicious actors could exploit. The project is implemented in two main codebases: a traditional scanner written in C and a newer scanner implementation written in Rust. The Rust implementation aims to simplify the scanner stack, merge functionalities, and improve security and performance. OpenVAS supports integration with other Greenbone tools and can also be deployed in containerized environments using Docker, reflecting its adaptability to modern infrastructure setups.
For Small Business?
Oy has significant benefits in strengthening cybersecurity without the high costs associated with many commercial vulnerability scanners. Cybersecurity is a critical concern for small enterprises, which often lack dedicated security teams and the budget for expensive commercial solutions. OpenVAS, being open-source, is free to use, making it accessible for IT administrators who want to improve security posture affordably. It is scalable and capable of covering various device types, from servers and workstations to IoT devices, offering deatiled security assessments.
A small business can leverage OpenVAS to maintain a proactive security stance by routinely scanning its network for vulnerabilities. The scanner’s categorization of vulnerabilities by severity allows IT staff to prioritize remediation efforts, thereby optimizing limited resources. OpenVAS’s extensive test feeds include checks for out-of-date software, missing security patches, weak configurations, and exposed services, which are common attack vectors for cybercriminals targeting small businesses. Running regular scans helps prevent intrusion incidents and data breaches, safeguarding sensitive business and customer information.
Deployment
Implementation of OpenVAS in a small business environment can be straightforward. Businesses can either build and install OpenVAS from source code or use preconfigured virtual machines and containers provided by Greenbone. The scanner interacts well with other parts of the Greenbone Vulnerability Management ecosystem, supporting integrations that automate vulnerability scanning, management, and reporting. This automation relieves much of the manual burden involved in vulnerability tracking, enabling small teams to maintain security vigilance with minimal overhead.
It provides detailed reports and dashboards that highlight identified security issues with contextual information, aiding IT staff in understanding the potential business impact of vulnerabilities. These reports can be customized and scheduled, allowing decision-makers to quickly grasp the state of security without dwelling on technical minutiae. In this way, OpenVAS supports informed decision-making and strategic allocation of limited security resources.
It sis an interesting project, later we will explore the Greenbone Community Edition as a whole