Top 14 Best Vulnerability Scanning Tools Today

The top 14 vulnerability scanning tools recommended by experts can help organizations and businesses safeguard their IT infrastructure by providing insights into the security threats they may face. Using vulnerability scanning tools is a simple yet essential method that any organization can benefit from, as it provides detailed information about potential security weaknesses present in their environment.

The Role of Vulnerability Scanning Tools
Over the years, various scanning tools have been developed, offering a wide range of features and options. Many enterprises use multiple vulnerability scanners to ensure they capture every possible detail needed to address gaps in their IT systems and proactively prevent unnecessary risks.

Top 14 Best Vulnerability Scanning Tools

1. Acunetix
Acunetix is a web vulnerability scanner with advanced crawling technology designed to identify vulnerabilities across all types of websites — even those protected by authentication.

2. beSECURE
beSECURE is a self‑service vulnerability scanner by Beyond Security that can be deployed on‑premises, in the cloud, or in hybrid environments. The solution offers both network and web application scanning and features a vulnerability database that is updated daily.

3. Burp Suite
Burp Suite is a web vulnerability scanner that is regularly updated and integrates with issue tracking systems such as Jira.

4. GFI Languard
GFI Languard is a web and network vulnerability scanner that can automatically deploy patches across multiple operating systems, third-party applications, and web browsers.

5. Frontline
Frontline VM is a patented network vulnerability scanning tool and part of Frontline.Cloud, a cloud-native SaaS security platform from Digital Defense. The security platform also provides web application scanning, threat assessment technology, and other vulnerability management features.

6. Nessus
Nessus is one of the most popular vulnerability scanners, with over two million downloads worldwide. It offers comprehensive coverage, scanning over 59,000 CVEs.

7. Nexpose
Nexpose by Rapid7 collects real-time data to continuously provide insight into an organization’s evolving network. While the CVSS risk scale is 1–10, this vulnerability scanner has developed its own 1–1000 risk scale to provide more granular cybersecurity levels.

8. Nmap
Nmap is a free, open-source security scanner also used by organizations for network discovery, inventory, service upgrade scheduling, and monitoring server or service uptime.

9. OpenVAS
OpenVAS is an open-source vulnerability scanner maintained by Greenbone Networks. The scanner includes a community feed that is regularly updated with over 50,000 security vulnerability tests.

10. Qualys Guard
The Qualys cloud platform serves as a hub for Qualys’ cloud-based compliance, security, and IT applications. It features powerful vulnerability scanning that enables centralized vulnerability management.

11. Qualys Web Application Scanner
Qualys Web Application Scanner is a cloud-based application that discovers both official and “shadow” applications in an environment, while detecting the top ten OWASP risks along with other web application vulnerabilities.

12. SAINT
The SAINT Security Suite is a comprehensive scanner that identifies all critical assets in an environment, tags them, and tracks them to provide faster remediation for the highest-priority items.

13. Tenable
Tenable.sc and Tenable.io offer network and web vulnerability assessments using Nessus technology. They use Predictive Prioritization, combining vulnerability data, threat intelligence, and data science to generate a detailed risk score.

14. Tripwire IP360
Tripwire IP360 is a scalable vulnerability scanner that can scan everything within an organization’s environment, including previously undiscovered assets, using both agentless and agent-based scanning.

NSV has compiled the top 14 vulnerability scanning tools recommended by leading experts to help organizations and businesses safeguard their IT systems against daily security threats. By validating these vulnerabilities, we can understand the actual risks they pose and prioritize appropriate remediation measures.