Vulnerability scanners automatically scan networks, systems, and applications to detect security flaws or misconfigurations. These software tools are meant to detect security threats to cloud-based networks.
Vulnerability Management in The Cloud keeps an updated database to conduct a security scan effectively. Some software takes further measures to address identified security threats after scans.
What Features To Look For In Cloud Vulnerability Scanners?
Cloud vulnerability scanners are more sophisticated versions that need careful selection. Not all scanning software will give you the most accurate results. Therefore, you will have to consider critical features that make a vulnerability scanner effective and efficient.
To ensure the robust security of data in the cloud, here is a list of features you must look for in any vulnerability scanner:
Supports GCP, AWS, & Azure
A reliable vulnerability scanner should be able to support almost all existing cloud infrastructure and major cloud providers. This gives you the advantage of scanning for vulnerabilities across different platforms for comprehensive security coverage.
Meet Cloud Provider’s Security Policies
The vulnerability scanner you opt for should be able to comply with the security policies of your cloud service provider. This is to help deal with compliance issues as per each cloud provider’s code of operation.
Scanning In The Cloud So As Not To Stress The Servers
These vulnerability scanners perform security checks in the cloud and away from the server system. In this way, the server’s burden is relieved, allowing it to function efficiently and optimally.
CI/CD Integration And Continuous Scanning
You must integrate the CI/CD pipeline into your scanner to perform timed and automatic scanning services. This integration provides continuous application scanning that can be timed at intervals.
Compliance-Specific Scans
A reliable cloud vulnerability scanner will be able to conduct regulatory-compliant security checks. Any scanning software that does not conduct compliance-specific scans is considered substandard.
Detailed Reporting With Video Pocs
A high-quality cloud vulnerability scanner will give detailed reports concerning the vulnerabilities identified. Some organizations take a step further by offering PoC videos demonstrating how malicious exploitation works.
Remediation Support
Cloud vulnerability scanning software should be able to scan and identify security threats to their database. Nevertheless, the best scanners also offer guidelines for fixing the vulnerabilities they identify.
Types Of Cloud Vulnerability Scanners
Intruder
This top-rated vulnerability scanning software can be integrated with many cloud providers for complete security checks. An intrusion scanner identifies and mitigates malicious access based on their priority.
Some issues that an intruder identifies and fixes include missing patches, faulty configurations, and application bugs.
Rapid7 Nexpose
This open- source scanning software can assess and scan virtual, cloud, and physical devices. Rapid7 Nexpose software also offers remediation of security threats and prioritization of vulnerabilities.
Qualys Vulnerability Management
The Qualys vulnerability management scanning software can detect security threats on distributed networks. In most cases, it operates behind a firewall of internal networks. This scanner offers extensive protection and an intuitive dashboard that is customizable to meet user needs.
Tenable Nessus
Many people use vulnerability assessment scanner software of this type. However, it may require extensive knowledge of IT to be able to use it, thanks to its sophisticated user interface. Therefore, Tenable Nessus software is meant for large organizations.
Tenable Nexus is open-source software that can be used in an organization to identify specific potential weaknesses to be patched.
Netsparker
Netsparker is suitable for scanning websites. However, the software cannot perform any other function apart from that. On the other hand, Netsparker is easy to use and can be integrated with third-party tools.
The software allows you to perform automatic web security threat sweeps through a simple procedure that does not require a background in coding. However, Netsparker is more beneficial for small businesses.
Amazon Inspector
Amazon Inspector scans applications deployed on AWS. In addition to identifying and offering solutions to Amazon Inspector, it also keeps track of any potential attacks detected.
The Amazon Inspector security scanners prioritize vulnerabilities based on the level of risk. However, the software can only run in the Amazon cloud.
Jeffrey Coleman is a prominent figure in the cybersecurity field and the driving force behind ISSAA.org. With a career dedicated to enhancing online safety for individuals and enterprises, Jeffrey has made significant strides in making cybersecurity accessible and understandable. Under his leadership, ISSAA has evolved from a standardization organization to a comprehensive resource hub for cybersecurity enthusiasts and professionals.