What type of data do vulnerability scanners like Nessus or OpenVAS provide?

Vulnerability scanners such as Nessus or OpenVAS are designed to identify and assess vulnerabilities within a system or network. They perform scans of devices, applications, and systems to discover security weaknesses, vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and potential areas of risk.

The information they provide is primarily focused on raw data reflecting identified vulnerabilities and risks. This can include details such as the type of vulnerabilities found, their severity rating, affected systems, and suggestions for remediation. This data is crucial for security professionals to prioritize their efforts in patching and mitigating risks, making it actionable for improving security posture.

On the other hand, general security assessments typically provide a broader analysis that may not focus exclusively on identified vulnerabilities, while network configuration details would relate to how systems are set up rather than their vulnerabilities. User access logs pertain to who accessed what and when, which is separate from identifying vulnerabilities in a system. The raw data provided by scanners is essential for driving security improvements and compliance, emphasizing the importance of the correct choice as it directly relates to the primary function of vulnerability scanning tools.