Understanding and Installing the OpenVAS Vulnerability Scanner
In the realm of cybersecurity, vulnerability scanning is an essential task that helps organizations identify potential weaknesses in their systems. One of the most popular tools for this purpose is the OpenVAS vulnerability scanner. This open-source tool offers a comprehensive scanning functionality to help secure your systems. This article will guide you through the process of installing and setting up OpenVAS.
What is OpenVAS?
OpenVAS, short for Open Vulnerability Assessment System, is a free software that provides a framework for vulnerability management. Its primary function is to detect vulnerabilities in networked systems and applications by scanning IPs and ports. It’s a go-to tool for IT specialists and system administrators for its robust features and extensive vulnerability tests.
Why Choose OpenVAS?
The reasons for OpenVAS’s popularity among cybersecurity professionals are manifold:
- Open-source: OpenVAS is free to use and modify, providing an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes.
- Comprehensive: It includes more than 50,000 Network Vulnerability Tests (NVTs), ensuring a thorough scan.
- Regular updates: The tool is consistently updated to include new vulnerability tests.
- Supports various platforms: OpenVAS can be used on multiple operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Installing OpenVAS
For this guide, we’ll be focusing on the installation process on a Linux system. The steps may vary depending on your operating system.
Prerequisites
Before you start the installation process, ensure that you have:
- Access to a system running a Linux distribution (Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS).
- Administrative (root) privileges on the system.
- A stable internet connection.
Installation Steps
Follow the steps below to install OpenVAS on your system:
- Update your system packages by running the command:
sudo apt-get update - Install necessary software by running:
sudo apt-get install sqlite3 python software-properties-common - Add the OpenVAS PPA to your system:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mrazavi/openvas - Update your system again:
sudo apt-get update - Install OpenVAS:
sudo apt-get install openvas - Set up OpenVAS:
sudo openvas-setup
Running Your First Scan
Once you have OpenVAS installed, you can start your first scan. Access the OpenVAS dashboard via your browser by entering your server’s IP address followed by the port number: https://[Your-Server-IP]:9392. Log in using the credentials provided during the setup. From the dashboard, you can set up and initiate your first vulnerability scan.
Conclusion
OpenVAS is a powerful tool for identifying vulnerabilities in your networked systems and applications. By regularly scanning your systems, you can identify and rectify potential weaknesses before they are exploited. Although the installation process may appear complex at first glance, this guide should help you navigate it with ease. Remember, maintaining a secure network is an ongoing process. By using tools like OpenVAS, you can stay one step ahead and ensure your systems remain secure.