How to Install Nessus on Linux?

The below process involves downloading and installing the Nessus package on a Linux system.

Prerequisites:

• A Linux system (Ubuntu, CentOS, etc.)
• Root or sudo access

Nessus is a vulnerability management tool that helps organizations and network environments identify and address network security issues. It helps in identifying vulnerabilities, potential threats, and irregularities. It plays an important role in maintaining a strong cybersecurity posture.

Features of Nessus:

1. Vulnerability Scanning: Nessus scans network resources, systems, and applications for vulnerabilities such as configuration issues, known software vulnerabilities, and weak passwords.
2. Comprehensive Coverage: Nessus has a wide variety of operating systems, databases, applications, and networking devices, which make it suitable for a variety of IT environments.
3. Regular Updates: Nessus regularly updates its vulnerability database to keep up with the latest security threats, ensuring that organizations can identify emerging vulnerabilities.
4. Customizable Scans: Nessus allows users to create custom scan schedules, define target hosts, and tailor the scanning process to specific security requirements.
5. Real-Time Reporting: Nessus provides detailed and actionable reports highlighting identified vulnerabilities, risk levels, and suggested corrective action steps. This information helps organizations prioritize and address the most important issues.

Advantages of Nessus:

1. Proactive Defense: Nessus helps organizations identify vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them, enabling them to take proactive security measures.
2. Comprehensive Vulnerability Detection: Nessus covers a wide range of vulnerabilities, ensuring a thorough scan and detection of potential threats.
3. Customization: Users can customize the scans to their specific needs, allowing Nessus to adapt to different networks.
4. Real-Time Reporting: Detailed and real-time reporting helps organizations understand security status and prioritize mitigation actions.
5. Support for Authenticated Scans: The certified scan provides accurate and detailed results by analyzing systems from the occupant’s perspective.

Disadvantages of Nessus:

1. Cost: Nessus offers limited free versions, but advanced features are available through paid subscriptions, which can be costly for smaller organizations.
2. Complexity: Nessus may require some expertise to properly configure and manage it, especially for larger and more complex networks.
3. False Positives: As with any vulnerability detection tool, Nessus can sometimes generate false positives, thus requiring manual verification of the findings.
4. Resource Intensive: Analyzing large networks can be resource-intensive, which affects network performance during scanning.
5. Continuous Monitoring: Nessus provides an analysis of temporal vulnerability. To maintain an up-to-date security status, organizations should conduct regular scans.