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In today’s digital world, it is imperative for companies to continuously monitor their IT systems for vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals often exploit weaknesses—such as weak passwords, insecure protocols, or misconfigured systems—not only in traditional hardware and software but also in machinery, industrial systems, and even everyday smart devices.

While the primary focus once was on detecting vulnerabilities, managing these discovered security gaps has now become a major challenge. Modern IT environments typically comprise hundreds, if not thousands, of systems accessible over the Internet. Administrators face a daily barrage of updates, patches, and security alerts. Coupled with the increasing dependency of business processes on IT, high performance demands, and a growing shortage of skilled professionals, this can quickly overwhelm IT teams. It is only a matter of time before a serious security incident occurs.

Professional Vulnerability Management – A Must for Every IT Organization

Professional vulnerability management solutions not only help you detect security gaps but also assist in assessing risks and prioritizing necessary security measures. They also verify whether internal policies and security standards are being met.

Open Source Vulnerability Scanners: OpenVAS and the Greenbone Community Edition (GCE)

Greenbone Community Edition Dashboard

One of the most renowned and feature-rich open-source vulnerability scanners is OpenVAS. Since 2006, Greenbone AG from Osnabrück has been the main developer of OpenVAS and offers this scanner—along with other open-source modules—as the Greenbone Community Edition (GCE) free of charge. The development of OpenVAS has been supported, among others, by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), allowing numerous features and test routines of the commercial vulnerability scanner to be provided as open source.

In daily operations, both OpenVAS and the GCE are continuously updated—currently, the platform includes over 120,000 vulnerability tests and compliance checks (as of August 1, 2023). The associated forum (https://forum.greenbone.net) offers valuable support and discussion on a wide range of topics related to the GCE.

Key Features and Characteristics of the Greenbone Community Edition

Scanning and Test Functions

  • Comprehensive Network Security Scanning:
    Detect vulnerabilities across all connected systems and networks.
  • Application and Service Testing:
    Examine not only operating systems but also applications and specialized services.
  • Compliance with Policy Guidelines:
    Ensure that both internal and external security standards are met.
  • Asset Inventory Support:
    Identify and manage all computers and network components.
  • Broad Protocol Coverage:
    Scan both high-level and low-level internet protocols as well as those used in industrial applications.
  • Vulnerability Classification:
    Assess and prioritize detected security gaps for targeted remediation.

Operational and Technical Aspects

  • Suitability for Large IT Environments:
    A scalable architecture designed for organizations with extensive IT landscapes.
  • Multi-User and Multi-Tenant Capabilities:
    Support multiple users and tenants within a centralized solution.
  • Import/Export Interfaces:
    Seamlessly integrate OpenVAS into existing IT security infrastructures (e.g., interfaces for intrusion detection systems).
  • Scalable Master-Sensor Operation:
    Deploy scanning sensors in remote networks to cover all areas.
  • Authenticated and Unauthenticated Scans:
    Perform both superficial and in-depth, authenticated security checks.
  • Extensive Internal Scripting Language:
    Develop and implement custom vulnerability tests tailored to your specific needs.
  • Reporting Management:
    Generate detailed reports, compare results, export data, and receive concrete recommendations, including integration of current CVE information and links to CERT resources.

The GCE dashboard also allows for interactive filtering of vulnerability reports, sorted by severity—an essential feature for rapidly responding during major security incidents.

Conclusion

Professional vulnerability management is not optional—it is essential for every IT organization. With OpenVAS and the Greenbone Community Edition, you gain access to a powerful, continuously updated tool that helps you detect security gaps early, assess risks, and prioritize remedial actions. The extensive features, scalable architecture, and the supportive exchange in a large, active community make this open-source solution an invaluable asset in modern IT security management.

Protect your IT infrastructure—because in today’s world, security is non-negotiable!