Nessus Scanner - Network Scanning from Beginner to Advanced

Overview

Dive into the world of network security with this guide to using Nessus, one of the most trusted vulnerability scanners in the industry. Starting with the basics, you’ll learn how to install and configure Nessus on various platforms, setting up a robust environment for hands-on practice. The course gradually introduces essential vulnerability assessment concepts, covering passive and active information gathering, manual vulnerability analysis, and the theoretical foundations for a robust security framework. As you progress, you’ll explore each feature of Nessus in detail, from managing scan folders to running practical, real-world scans on live systems. Detailed lessons will walk you through host discovery, operating system identification, and how to analyze and interpret the results of your scans to prioritize remediation efforts. Advanced users will benefit from in-depth tutorials on using Nessus for compliance audits, web application scanning, and performing authenticated scans. The course also covers integration with tools like Metasploit and alternatives like Nmap and Vega, broadening your scanning toolkit. Finally, you'll explore real-life applications of Nessus, including creating reusable scan policies, using compliance templates, and customizing the Nessus scanner with advanced configuration files like nessusd.rules. By the end of this course, you'll not only master Nessus but also learn how to tailor its capabilities to your network's unique needs, making you a more effective and confident security professional. This course is ideal for IT professionals, network administrators, and security analysts looking to enhance their vulnerability scanning and network security skills. A basic understanding of networking and security concepts is recommended but not required.

Syllabus

Welcome to the Course

In this module, we will introduce the significance of network security and explain why using a vulnerability scanner like Nessus is crucial. You'll learn about the growing threats in the digital landscape and how security breaches can lead to severe repercussions.

Setting Up the Laboratory

In this module, we will guide you through the installation process of Nessus on Windows, Linux, and macOS. You’ll also learn about the differences between the free and professional versions of Nessus, and how to set up your Nessus account to begin vulnerability scanning.

Basics of Vulnerability Analysis

In this module, we will delve into the foundational concepts of vulnerability analysis, covering the theoretical aspects as well as practical techniques for gathering information about target networks. You'll also explore manual methods to assess vulnerabilities before relying on automated tools.

Each Tab of Nessus In-Depth

In this module, we will provide an in-depth walkthrough of Nessus, focusing on its various tabs and features. You'll learn how to organize scans, set up basic and advanced scanning techniques, and use different Nessus resources to optimize your vulnerability assessments.

Nessus for Real-Life Scenarios

In this module, we will apply Nessus to real-world scenarios, showing how to create reusable scans, perform compliance audits, and secure web applications. You'll also learn about authenticated scans and explore alternatives to Nessus for specific security assessments.

Writing Fully Custom Reports

In this module, we will focus on creating a fully customized vulnerability assessment report. You’ll learn how to plan and document your scanning activities, organize results, and generate detailed reports that meet the specific needs of your security projects.