Cybersecurity Manager at a manufacturing company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Excellent at identifying vulnerabilities and accessing information related to that
Pros and Cons
  • "Ease of reviewing scores, identifying vulnerabilities, and getting information on them."
  • "Scans aren't done properly and some devices aren't pinged."

What is most valuable?

The valuable feature for me is being able to ping the computers to do the automated scan and to come back and be able to see everything. That's definitely a huge plus, but then there's also the ease of reviewing the scores, identifying vulnerabilities, and getting the information on the vulnerabilities; the ability to review all that within one tool has been phenomenal. When we're reviewing those Nessus scores, the solution works well.

What needs improvement?

I think there's still some things that need to be ironed out to ensure that we can have a one-stop shop to do both ACAS, SCAP automated assessments in. We've been trying to do that and they say you can, the capability is integrated into the system. But in most instances, especially when you're dealing with some systems that are standalone or a network that we built ourselves, we find that some devices aren't pinged and the scans aren't done properly. That also comes down to the hardening of the systems where the password or the privileges weren't taken, so therefore it didn't do the scan properly. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using this solution for the past six or seven years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable. We haven't run into any issues other than some passwords that don't take, but that's the way we set up the system. If it's set up properly and configured appropriately, there won't be any issues.

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What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We could definitely make the adjustment to scale it left, right, up and down, depending on what we're using it for and we haven't run into any issues on that. It's pretty flexible.

How was the initial setup?

The setup itself is pretty straightforward. Because these are standalone systems, there are some additional steps that the IT team needs to do, but they pretty much have it down to where they could install the tools pretty easily and have it running reasonably quickly. 

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend making sure that the solution meets your needs for automated scans and the SCAP. If you're looking for a one-stop shop, I think it's a great tool for that. I would recommend some form of training if you don't have experience with this kind of solution. There's a bit of a learning curve involved in terms of configuring and using Nessus. 

I rate this solution an eight out of 10. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Assistant Director for Computing and Network infrastructure at SRCE
Real User
Top 20
Helps to conduct monthly scans and open tickets for developers to address identified vulnerabilities
Pros and Cons
  • "We have around 500 virtual machines. Therefore, we conduct monthly scans and open tickets for our developers to address identified vulnerabilities. These scans cover the servers, other network equipment, and appliances in our infrastructure."
  • "One significant drawback we encounter is the tool's tendency to flag patched packages incorrectly. For instance, if a package is patched by Debian maintainers but not updated to a major or minor version, Nessus may still flag it as vulnerable based on its database. This discrepancy leads to false alarms and requires our developers, system admins, and DevOps teams to address them."

What is our primary use case?

We have around 500 virtual machines. Therefore, we conduct monthly scans and open tickets for our developers to address identified vulnerabilities. These scans cover the servers, other network equipment, and appliances in our infrastructure. 

What needs improvement?

One significant drawback we encounter is the tool's tendency to flag patched packages incorrectly. For instance, if a package is patched by Debian maintainers but not updated to a major or minor version, Nessus may still flag it as vulnerable based on its database. This discrepancy leads to false alarms and requires our developers, system admins, and DevOps teams to address them. 

It would be beneficial if it could handle minor additions to versions similar to how Debian manages its patches. This feature would allow it to differentiate between patched and non-patched versions.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the product for ten years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Tenable Nessus is very stable. We encountered some issues with scanning certain network equipment but resolved them by adjusting the parameters. Our main focus is scanning our servers; we haven't experienced any significant problems with that process.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

My company has three users. 

How are customer service and support?

We haven't contacted Tenable Nessus for assistance or questions because we haven't encountered any serious issues, and we are generally satisfied with the product.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We chose Tenable Nessus because we primarily rely on open-source products as a publicly funded institution. About ten years ago, we conducted research to determine the best option, and at that time, it stood out as the preferred choice.

How was the initial setup?

Tenable Nessus' deployment is straightforward. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The product is free. 

What other advice do I have?

I rate the overall product a nine out of ten. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Head of IT security at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Helps with vulnerability management trafficking across an entire group
Pros and Cons
  • "I am impressed with the tool's vulnerability scanning."
  • "The tool needs to upgrade asset tracking."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution for vulnerability management trafficking across an entire group. 

What is most valuable?

I am impressed with the tool's vulnerability scanning. 

What needs improvement?

The tool needs to upgrade asset tracking. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I am using the tool for two years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is extremely stable. I would rate the tool's stability a nine out of ten. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I didn't encounter any issues with scalability and I would rate it a nine out of ten. We have around 3000 user endpoints that are being monitored. My company has around 20 users for the tool.

How are customer service and support?

Our local partner helps with the support. 

How was the initial setup?

I would rate the tool's setup a seven out of ten. It is not an easy setup but with proper support, the process is doable. 

What was our ROI?

The solution gives us ROI since it offers visibility and helps to tighten controls in our network. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I would like to see better discounts. 

What other advice do I have?

I would rate the solution a nine out of ten. It is one of the best tools to use if compliance is your priority. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
ShanakaFernando - PeerSpot reviewer
Consultant at a computer software company with 11-50 employees
Consultant
Simple implementation, beneficial vulnerability assessments, and helpful support
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable feature of Tenable Nessus is vulnerability assessments. There are a lot of threats around the world and this solution is the first to come out with detection rules."
  • "Tenable Nessus could improve the reporting by adding some dashboards. The reports are a hassle at this time. Tenable.io has more detailed reports. Having a better dashboard that can show where the vulnerabilities are and be categorized would be helpful. We then could present them to upper management for a deep overview of our network posture which they do not see."

What is our primary use case?

We are using Tenable Nessus for vulnerability management. Not exactly the management, but we perform vulnerability assessments mostly for internal networks. Additionally, we use Acunetix and it comes into play for the web application.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of Tenable Nessus is vulnerability assessments. There are a lot of threats around the world and this solution is the first to come out with detection rules.

What needs improvement?

Tenable Nessus could improve the reporting by adding some dashboards. The reports are a hassle at this time. Tenable.io has more detailed reports. Having a better dashboard that can show where the vulnerabilities are and be categorized would be helpful. We then could present them to upper management for a deep overview of our network posture which they do not see.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Tenable Nessus for approximately seven years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Tenable Nessus is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Tenable Nessus is scalable, it can scale up and down.

We have five or six people using this solution occasionally. We have monthly schedules for scanning, the solution is not used daily.

How are customer service and support?

The support of Tenable Nessus is responsive and helpful.

I rate the support from Tenable Nessus a five out of five.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have previously used Acunetix and they are more focused on web applications instead of vulnerability assessments. Tenable Nessus lacks in this area, they should focus more on the web applications side.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Tenable Nessus is straightforward. There is helpful documentation that is provided.

I rate the setup of Tenable Nessus a five out of five.

What about the implementation team?

We did the implementation of the solution in-house.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

When comparing the price of Tenable Nessus to other similar solutions, such as Acunetix, Tenable Nessus is not as expensive. It is averagely priced in the market. We pay for the solution annually.

What other advice do I have?

My advice to others wanting to implement this solution is they need to understand what will be scanned. For example, if they are using internal servers or something similar, and is it on the cloud, or web applications, this is something they need to know. It's a good idea to evaluate these things on their end before choosing to use the solution. This solution focuses more on the servers or the network security side. Acunetix focuses more on the web application side. This is where the buyer has to evaluate and know their use case.

I rate Tenable Nessus a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
DanielDurante - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Manager at Clearsale
Real User
Does everything that it needs to, provides good value for money, and is very easy to use
Pros and Cons
  • "I like this solution because it is complete. It can scan and check many types of vulnerabilities. It can also check for compliance."
  • "There should be a possibility to install agents on scanned machines. Tenable IO provides the capability of using local agents to check local problems, but this feature is not there in Tenable Nessus Professional. It would be nice to have something similar in Tenable Nessus Professional. We should have the capability to use local agents installed on the machines to locally check a problem."

What is our primary use case?

I am using it for scanning and checking vulnerabilities. I am using the Azure version of Tenable Nessus.

What is most valuable?

I like this solution because it is complete. It can scan and check many types of vulnerabilities. It can also check for compliance.

It fits very well in my environment. It is very easy to use, and there is a very good cost-benefit of this solution. 

What needs improvement?

There should be a possibility to install agents on scanned machines. Tenable IO provides the capability of using local agents to check local problems, but this feature is not there in Tenable Nessus Professional. It would be nice to have something similar in Tenable Nessus Professional. We should have the capability to use local agents installed on the machines to locally check a problem.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is, for sure, scalable. We have 10 or 12 people who use this solution.

How are customer service and support?

We never have any kind of problem or lack of response. I would rate them a ten out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

It is very easy. It is pretty straightforward.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

It has a fair cost and very good cost-benefit ratio.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend it to others. It does everything that such a solution needs to do. It can check for vulnerabilities and compliance. It is also very easy to use. It is better than its competitors, such as Rapid7.

I trust Tenable solutions. I have worked with Tenable IO a few years ago, and with Tenable Nessus, I had the same feeling that I had with Tenable IO. It is a very good solution. It is more expensive than Tenable IO, but it is a complete solution. 

I would rate it a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Private Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Senior cybersecurity engineer at a aerospace/defense firm with 5,001-10,000 employees
Real User
Top 5
A scalable and mature solution that has excellent features and provides visibility into vulnerabilities in the environment
Pros and Cons
  • "It is a mature tool."
  • "The product must be more comprehensive."

What is our primary use case?

The solution is used to check vulnerabilities.

What is most valuable?

The product has good features. It gives us a view of the vulnerabilities like open ports and different issues with software. It is a mature tool.

What needs improvement?

The product must be more comprehensive. It must catch all the issues.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for a few years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the tool’s stability a nine out of ten. The stability could be improved.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The tool is scalable. We have three users. We need a team to maintain the product.

What about the implementation team?

The deployment can be done in-house.

What other advice do I have?

I recommend the solution to others. I rate the solution a nine out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Sereyreach Dy - PeerSpot reviewer
Security Infrastructure Engineer at NP Secure Co.,Ltd
Reseller
Top 5
A vulnerability assessment tool with patch management capabilities that offers ease of deployment
Pros and Cons
  • "The initial setup of Tenable Nessus is very easy."
  • "The problems I faced with Tenable Nessus were related to its dashboard's customization capabilities and its ability to provide data to third-party sources."

What is our primary use case?

I use Tenable Nessus for vulnerability assessment so that you can scan for CVEs and existing CVEs. Tenable Nessus will show you the latest update on those vulnerabilities and where it needs patches, so it goes hand in hand with patch management. As soon as you scan, you can see whether it needs patching, and if needed, you can go ahead and deploy patch management to address the current issue.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of the solution are the policy and the active scan. The features are different for Tenable Security Center since it is more on an on-premises model. The solution also has features like Tenable.io and Tenable Web App Scanning.

What needs improvement?

I wouldn't want to change anything about Tenable Nessus since I haven't found or run into any issues in Tenable Nessus.

I like Tenable since I find everything related to the solution simplified and easy to use. You can approach the online community of Tenable when you run into a problem, and there is a bunch of information available there that you can gather and use for troubleshooting purposes.

I faced some problems with Tenable Nessus when dealing with some of our company's customers in China. The problems I faced with Tenable Nessus were related to its dashboard's customization capabilities and its ability to provide data to third-party sources. The solution should offer simplified data-sharing capabilities. Though we have the dashboards and can customize them, the options for customization are available in the templates provided by Tenable Nessus. It might not be possible with Tenable Nessus to add every component a person wants to a single dashboard since they can only choose whatever is available on the templates provided by Tenable Nessus. The aforementioned areas can be considered for improvement in the solution.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Tenable Nessus for two months. My company operates as a reseller of the product while also having a partnership with the solution.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Stability-wise, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Scalability-wise, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

Around 90 percent of our company's customers work with Tenable Nessus.

How are customer service and support?

For the solution's technical support, our company directly seeks help from the solution's vendor in Vietnam or Singapore, who are very responsive. I rate the technical support an eight out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Tenable Nessus is very easy. You can get the application's installation file and implement it faster than ManageEngine, making it a simple process. I rate the initial setup of Tenable Nessus a nine out of ten.

The solution is deployed on an on-premises model.

With Tenable Nessus, you have a file, and you just need to install it. In the on-premises model of the solution, you have a dashboard or console that you go to, which is like an internal website that you have set up so that you can get access to the on-premises version of the product.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I rate the product's price seven or eight on a scale of one to ten, where one is low price and ten is high price.

What other advice do I have?

Tenable Nessus is a great tool. I believe everyone should be using Tenable Nessus since it is a tool that can be used for vulnerability assessment when companies face some vulnerabilities to find security holes or threats.

I rate the overall solution a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer:
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RallisFarfarakis - PeerSpot reviewer
Principal Security Architect at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Top 10
Is easy to use and configure, and has a lot of plugins
Pros and Cons
  • "The ease of use is the primary valuable feature. This specific version is very straightforward. I like the ability to modify it and configure it based on the different policies."
  • "Multiple user access would be an area for improvement from a user-access perspective. A role-based access control feature would be great because at present, there is a limitation with only one account. If that account gets compromised or gets locked, then we will encounter problems."

What is our primary use case?

We use it predominantly for vulnerability scanning and compliance scanning as part of the vulnerability and compliance protocols in one of our programs.

What is most valuable?

The ease of use is the primary valuable feature. This specific version is very straightforward. I like the ability to modify it and configure it based on the different policies.

I also like the number of plugins. It has quite a lot of plugins that keep it up to date with the different vulnerabilities coming out.

What needs improvement?

Multiple user access would be an area for improvement from a user-access perspective. A role-based access control feature would be great because at present, there is a limitation with only one account. If that account gets compromised or gets locked, then we will encounter problems.

It would be good to have a way to store filters from searches so that you don't have to recreate them from scratch every time. To be able to have them saved as a list of filters would be really useful.

It would be really useful to have a way to assess the risk of a specific vulnerability based on a number of factors which could be tailored. It could be a tailored set of factors you introduce to see a potential risk score or a different view of the CVSS score.

A lot of organizations do this manually, and some of them have some other ways of identifying or assessing the risk of vulnerabilities. It would be really useful to have a framework which allows you to create a way to assess the risk of vulnerabilities on the platform and potentially prioritize them or provide information as a report to management or to other teams for resolution.

It would be really nice to have a way to visualize the different results from the scans. For example, if you scan a Windows 2016 Server and you have a number of vulnerabilities, it would be nice to somehow show the vulnerabilities in a graphical format and potentially combine some of the outcomes into a graphical representation showing trending. Trending is quite important, especially when I speak to my senior management stakeholders and try to show the security posture and status. It would help to provide a long and wide view of where the vulnerabilities are and what kind of aging is present.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've used it for three and a half years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Nessus Manager is very stable; I haven't had any problems. I'd give the stability of the product a five out of five.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The product itself is not scalable by design. It is a single-user product, so it doesn't allow you to have multiple users at the same time. You have only one account. The type of product that we're using is not really meant for huge enterprises, and it's a bit more limited in terms of usage.

At present, I use the personal version for the account I'm looking after, but we probably have less than five people using this platform.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was easy.

What about the implementation team?

We implemented it ourselves. The deployment was done by one engineer, and it did not take too long.

What was our ROI?

The project in which I have been using it, it has been great because we satisfy a very crucial requirement. We have brought around vulnerability management, so it's really good ROI for what we have.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Nessus Manager is not an expensive product. It has its limitations, but the pricing reflects that.

We have a yearly subscription.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend Nessus Manager and rate it at eight on a scale from one to ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Updated: March 2024
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Vulnerability Management
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Download our free Tenable Nessus Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.