Overview
An OpenVAS vs. Nessus comparison showcases the strengths and weaknesses of two top leaders in the vulnerability scanning market. Each tool has its specific use cases, with Nessus being more suited for enterprises and large organizations, while OpenVAS is ideal for smaller security teams and DIY security professionals looking for customization and integrations.
Nessus: Best for Enterprises and Large Organizations
Nessus, developed by Tenable, is a preferred choice for large enterprises due to its comprehensive feature set and robust scanning capabilities. It supports a wide range of scanning techniques, including network scanning, port scanning, service enumeration, and extensive vulnerability checks via plugins. Nessus provides detailed reports prioritizing vulnerabilities based on severity, enabling organizations to proactively address security risks.
OpenVAS: Best for DIY Security Professionals and Smaller Security Teams
OpenVAS, maintained by Greenbone Networks, offers a free, open-source alternative with extensive customization options. It employs a client-server architecture with the OpenVAS Scanner performing the scanning tasks and the OpenVAS Manager handling scan orchestration and reporting. OpenVAS supports a variety of scanning techniques and provides detailed, actionable insights for remediation.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | OpenVAS | Nessus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ✔ Free | ✘ Paid |
| Platform | ✔ Open Source | ✘ Proprietary |
| Ease of Use | ✘ Moderate | ✔ User-Friendly |
| Functionality | ✔ Extensive | ✔ Comprehensive |
| Product Updates | ✔ Regular | ✔ Frequent |
Detailed Comparison
Both OpenVAS and Nessus scan for vulnerabilities in networked environments like firewalls, applications, and services, identifying, classifying, and suggesting remediation strategies. Here’s how each performs:
How OpenVAS Works
OpenVAS uses a variety of techniques, including network scanning, service enumeration, and vulnerability checks, to assess security postures. The OpenVAS Manager aggregates scan results, prioritizes vulnerabilities, and generates detailed reports for proactive security management.
How Nessus Works
Nessus, with its client-server architecture, uses extensive plugins to check for thousands of known vulnerabilities across diverse platforms. It prioritizes vulnerabilities based on severity and potential impact, providing comprehensive reports that enable proactive risk mitigation.
Use Cases
- Nessus: Ideal for large enterprise environments and vast IT networks.
- OpenVAS: Best for small to medium-sized organizations looking for a cost-effective solution.
User Reviews
Nessus generally receives higher user satisfaction ratings, with users praising its ease of use and comprehensive features. OpenVAS, while slightly less favored in user reviews, is appreciated for its flexibility and open-source nature.
Pricing
- OpenVAS: Free, making it budget-friendly for organizations with technical expertise.
- Nessus: Priced at approximately $3,769.50 per year, suitable for organizations prioritizing robust, off-the-shelf solutions.
Conclusion
Choosing between OpenVAS and Nessus depends largely on specific use cases. OpenVAS offers extensive customization for technically proficient teams, while Nessus provides a comprehensive, user-friendly solution for larger enterprises.