OpenVAS vs Nessus

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs. Compare features, pricing, pros & cons, and make an informed decision.

OpenVAS icon
OpenVAS
Nessus icon
Nessus

Expert Analysis & Comparison

Struggling to choose between OpenVAS and Nessus? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

OpenVAS is a Security & Privacy solution with tags like open-source, vulnerability-scanning, network-security.

It boasts features such as Full-featured vulnerability scanner, Scans for thousands of vulnerabilities, Open source and free, Automatic vulnerability testing and management, Detailed vulnerability reports, User management and access controls, Scheduled and on-demand scans, Agentless scanning, Integrates with other tools like Nmap and pros including Free and open source, Powerful scanning capabilities, Easy to use, Automatic scanning and reporting, Integrates with other security tools, Active community support.

On the other hand, Nessus is a Security & Privacy product tagged with vulnerability-scanning, network-security, penetration-testing.

Its standout features include Vulnerability scanning, Compliance auditing, Web application scanning, Malware detection, Configuration auditing, and it shines with pros like Wide range of vulnerability checks, User-friendly interface, Regular plugin updates, Integrates with other Tenable products, Can customize scans and policies.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Why Compare OpenVAS and Nessus?

When evaluating OpenVAS versus Nessus, both solutions serve different needs within the security & privacy ecosystem. This comparison helps determine which solution aligns with your specific requirements and technical approach.

Market Position & Industry Recognition

OpenVAS and Nessus have established themselves in the security & privacy market. Key areas include open-source, vulnerability-scanning, network-security.

Technical Architecture & Implementation

The architectural differences between OpenVAS and Nessus significantly impact implementation and maintenance approaches. Related technologies include open-source, vulnerability-scanning, network-security.

Integration & Ecosystem

Both solutions integrate with various tools and platforms. Common integration points include open-source, vulnerability-scanning and vulnerability-scanning, network-security.

Decision Framework

Consider your technical requirements, team expertise, and integration needs when choosing between OpenVAS and Nessus. You might also explore open-source, vulnerability-scanning, network-security for alternative approaches.

Feature OpenVAS Nessus
Overall Score N/A N/A
Primary Category Security & Privacy Security & Privacy
Target Users Developers, QA Engineers QA Teams, Non-technical Users
Deployment Self-hosted, Cloud Cloud-based, SaaS
Learning Curve Moderate to Steep Easy to Moderate

Product Overview

OpenVAS
OpenVAS

Description: OpenVAS is an open source vulnerability scanner and vulnerability management solution. It can scan networks and systems for known vulnerabilities and misconfigurations and provide detailed reports.

Type: Open Source Test Automation Framework

Founded: 2011

Primary Use: Mobile app testing automation

Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows

Nessus
Nessus

Description: Nessus is a vulnerability scanner used to scan networks and systems for security vulnerabilities. It is one of the most popular vulnerability assessment tools.

Type: Cloud-based Test Automation Platform

Founded: 2015

Primary Use: Web, mobile, and API testing

Supported Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, API

Key Features Comparison

OpenVAS
OpenVAS Features
  • Full-featured vulnerability scanner
  • Scans for thousands of vulnerabilities
  • Open source and free
  • Automatic vulnerability testing and management
  • Detailed vulnerability reports
  • User management and access controls
  • Scheduled and on-demand scans
  • Agentless scanning
  • Integrates with other tools like Nmap
Nessus
Nessus Features
  • Vulnerability scanning
  • Compliance auditing
  • Web application scanning
  • Malware detection
  • Configuration auditing

Pros & Cons Analysis

OpenVAS
OpenVAS
Pros
  • Free and open source
  • Powerful scanning capabilities
  • Easy to use
  • Automatic scanning and reporting
  • Integrates with other security tools
  • Active community support
Cons
  • Can be resource intensive
  • Requires expertise to interpret scan results
  • Limited user interface
  • Steep learning curve
Nessus
Nessus
Pros
  • Wide range of vulnerability checks
  • User-friendly interface
  • Regular plugin updates
  • Integrates with other Tenable products
  • Can customize scans and policies
Cons
  • Limited mobile device scanning
  • No built-in remediation capabilities
  • Some advanced features require additional purchase

Pricing Comparison

OpenVAS
OpenVAS
  • Open Source
Nessus
Nessus
  • Subscription-Based

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