Nmap NSE scripts are solid, but they’re a general-purpose tool. Dedicated scanners like OpenVAS and Nessus are purpose-built for finding vulnerabilities. They’re deeper, faster, and more thorough.

OpenVAS (Open Vulnerability Assessment System) is free, open-source, and surprisingly capable. It can scan thousands of hosts and generate detailed reports.

OpenVAS works best with a credentialed scan. If you give it SSH or SMB credentials, it can log into systems and check what’s actually installed – way more accurate than unauthenticated scans.

Part of the free Intro to Cyber course by Cover6 Solutions.