Acunetix vs. Nikto

Attribute	Acunetix	Nikto
License	Commercial	Open-source
Scanning Capabilities	Web application security scanner	Web server scanner
Supported Platforms	Windows, Linux	Linux, Unix, macOS
Reporting	Comprehensive reports	Basic reports

Introduction

When it comes to web application security scanners, Acunetix and Nikto are two popular tools that are often compared. Both tools are used by security professionals to identify vulnerabilities in web applications, but they have different features and capabilities. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Acunetix and Nikto to help you decide which tool is best suited for your needs.

Scanning Capabilities

Acunetix is a comprehensive web vulnerability scanner that is known for its ability to detect a wide range of vulnerabilities, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and insecure server configurations. It uses a combination of black-box testing, white-box testing, and grey-box testing to thoroughly scan web applications for vulnerabilities. On the other hand, Nikto is an open-source web server scanner that focuses on identifying common vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in web servers. It is designed to quickly scan a large number of web servers and provide a report of potential vulnerabilities.

User Interface

Acunetix has a user-friendly interface that allows users to easily configure scans, view scan results, and generate reports. It provides detailed information about each vulnerability, including the severity level and recommended remediation steps. Nikto, on the other hand, has a command-line interface that may be less intuitive for users who are not familiar with command-line tools. However, Nikto's simplicity can be an advantage for users who prefer a lightweight and fast tool for scanning web servers.

Reporting

Acunetix provides detailed and customizable reports that include information about each vulnerability, as well as recommendations for remediation. Users can generate reports in various formats, such as PDF, HTML, and XML, making it easy to share scan results with other team members. Nikto, on the other hand, generates simple text-based reports that list the vulnerabilities found during the scan. While Nikto's reports may be less visually appealing than Acunetix's reports, they provide the essential information needed to address vulnerabilities.

Automation

Acunetix offers automation features that allow users to schedule scans, integrate with continuous integration tools, and automate the process of scanning web applications. This can be particularly useful for organizations that need to regularly scan multiple web applications for vulnerabilities. Nikto, on the other hand, is a manual tool that requires users to run scans manually each time they want to check for vulnerabilities. While Nikto may be less automated than Acunetix, it can still be a valuable tool for quickly scanning web servers.

Price

Acunetix is a commercial tool that offers different pricing plans based on the number of web applications that need to be scanned and the level of support required. The pricing of Acunetix may be a barrier for small organizations or individual users who have limited budgets. Nikto, on the other hand, is an open-source tool that is available for free to anyone who wants to use it. This makes Nikto a cost-effective option for users who are looking for a basic web server scanner without the need for advanced features.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Acunetix and Nikto are both valuable tools for identifying vulnerabilities in web applications and web servers. Acunetix offers a comprehensive set of features, including advanced scanning capabilities, a user-friendly interface, detailed reporting, and automation options. However, the commercial nature of Acunetix may be a limiting factor for some users. Nikto, on the other hand, is a lightweight and free tool that is ideal for quickly scanning web servers and identifying common vulnerabilities. Ultimately, the choice between Acunetix and Nikto will depend on your specific needs and budget constraints.