Nessus vs. Nikto

Attribute	Nessus	Nikto
Developer	Tenable Network Security	Sulley
License	Proprietary	Open Source
Scanning Capabilities	Vulnerability scanning, configuration auditing, compliance checking	Web server scanning, vulnerability scanning
Supported Platforms	Windows, Linux, macOS	Linux, macOS
Updates	Regular updates with new vulnerability checks	Periodic updates with new signatures

Introduction

Nessus and Nikto are both popular tools used for vulnerability scanning in cybersecurity. While they serve a similar purpose, there are key differences in their attributes and capabilities. In this article, we will compare and contrast Nessus and Nikto to help you understand which tool may be more suitable for your specific needs.

Scanning Capabilities

Nessus is a comprehensive vulnerability scanner that can detect a wide range of security issues in a network, including missing patches, misconfigurations, and potential security threats. It uses a database of known vulnerabilities to scan systems and provide detailed reports on the findings. On the other hand, Nikto is a web server scanner that focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in web servers and web applications. It checks for outdated software versions, misconfigurations, and common security issues specific to web environments.

User Interface

Nessus offers a user-friendly interface that allows users to easily configure scans, view results, and generate reports. It provides detailed information on each vulnerability detected, including severity levels and recommended actions for remediation. Nikto, on the other hand, is a command-line tool that may require more technical expertise to operate. While it lacks a graphical user interface, Nikto is highly customizable and can be integrated into automated scanning processes.

Community Support

Nessus is a commercial product developed by Tenable, which offers professional support services for users. It also has a large community of users who share tips, tricks, and best practices for using the tool effectively. Nikto, on the other hand, is an open-source project with a community of contributors who actively maintain and update the tool. While Nikto may not have the same level of professional support as Nessus, the open-source nature of the project allows for greater flexibility and customization.

Performance

Nessus is known for its speed and efficiency in scanning large networks with thousands of hosts. It can perform scans in parallel and distribute the workload across multiple scanners to expedite the process. Nikto, on the other hand, may be slower when scanning large networks due to its focus on web server vulnerabilities. However, Nikto excels in detecting vulnerabilities specific to web applications and can provide valuable insights into the security of web servers.

Reporting

Nessus generates detailed reports that include information on each vulnerability detected, along with recommendations for remediation. The reports can be customized to include specific details based on user preferences. Nikto, on the other hand, provides concise reports that highlight critical vulnerabilities in web servers and web applications. While the reports may not be as detailed as those generated by Nessus, they are focused on actionable insights that can help prioritize security efforts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nessus and Nikto are both valuable tools for vulnerability scanning in cybersecurity, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Nessus is a comprehensive scanner that excels in detecting a wide range of security issues in networks, while Nikto is a specialized tool for identifying vulnerabilities in web servers and web applications. The choice between Nessus and Nikto will depend on your specific requirements and technical expertise. Both tools have their place in a cybersecurity toolkit and can be used in conjunction to provide comprehensive security assessments.