The Top Network Scanning Software for Your Business

Find Out Which Network Scanning Software is Best for Your Company

Network scanning software is an essential tool for any business that wants to monitor its network and prevent cyber-attacks. In today’s digital age, network security threats are becoming more sophisticated, and network scanning software is a must-have to keep your business safe. But with so many options on the market, it’s hard to know which one is right for your business.

That’s why we’ve researched and tested some of the best network scanning software available to bring you a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right one for your business. In this article, we’ll review the best network scanning software on the market, highlighting their features, advantages, and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision.

Why You Need Network Scanning Software

Network scanning software is vital for businesses with network infrastructure as it helps to identify and fix security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cyber-criminals. It allows businesses to detect and analyze network risks and identify security gaps that could lead to data breaches, system downtime, and other security issues.

By using network scanning software, businesses can:

  • Identify and fix security vulnerabilities in their network infrastructure
  • Detect unauthorized access attempts
  • Monitor network traffic and detect potential malware infections
  • Generate detailed reports on network performance and security
  • Comply with regulatory requirements such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR, and others

The Top 5 Network Scanning Software

Software Name
Price
Features
Advantages
Disadvantages
1. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor
$1,995 – $34,995
Real-time network monitoring, Network mapping, Alerting & reporting, Custom dashboards, Customizable topology maps
Easy to use, Customizable dashboards, Advanced alerting & reporting, Large community support
Expensive, Limited scalability, Steep learning curve
2. Nessus
$3,190 – $16,350
Vulnerability assessment, Configuration assessment, Malware detection, Reporting & analytics
Fast scanning speed, Advanced reporting & analytics, Easy to use, Integration with other security tools
Expensive, Limited customer support, Few advanced features
3. Nmap
Free
Port scanning, Network inventory, OS detection, Scriptable interaction, Flexible output
Free, Command-line interface, Open-source community support, Fast scanning speed
Steep learning curve, Limited GUI, Lack of advanced reporting & analytics
4. LanSweeper
$495 – $5,995
Asset management, Software inventory, Network scanning, Patch management, Reporting & analytics
Easy to use, Customizable dashboards, Fast scanning speed, Detailed reporting & analytics
Expensive, Limited customer support, Limited scalability
5. OpenVAS
Free
Vulnerability scanning, Compliance checks, Reporting & analytics, Integration with other security tools
Free, Open-source community support, Easy to use, Integration with other security tools
Steep learning curve, Limited customer support, Lack of advanced features

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor is an advanced network scanning software that provides real-time monitoring of your network infrastructure, including switches, routers, servers, and applications. It also offers customizable topology maps and dashboards, making it easy to visualize your network performance and identify potential issues.

One of the biggest advantages of SolarWinds NPM is its advanced alerting and reporting features, which allow you to set up thresholds for specific network conditions and receive alerts when they are triggered. You can also generate detailed reports on network performance, including uptime/downtime, bandwidth usage, packet loss, and more.

However, SolarWinds NPM is an expensive solution, with prices ranging from $1,995 to $34,995, depending on the number of devices you want to monitor. It also has limited scalability, making it less appropriate for larger businesses.

Nessus

Nessus is a vulnerability assessment tool that can help businesses identify and fix security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by hackers. It offers a range of features, including vulnerability scanning, configuration assessment, and malware detection, making it a comprehensive solution for network security.

One of the standout features of Nessus is its fast scanning speed, which allows it to quickly scan large networks and detect potential vulnerabilities. It also offers advanced reporting and analytics, allowing you to generate detailed reports on network security issues and compliance with regulatory standards. However, Nessus is a high-cost solution, with prices ranging from $3,190 to $16,350.

Nmap

Nmap is a free, open-source network scanning tool that offers a wide range of features, including port scanning, network inventory, OS detection, and scriptable interaction. It is a command-line tool, which means it has a steep learning curve but is highly customizable and flexible.

One of the biggest advantages of Nmap is its fast scanning speed, which allows it to scan large networks quickly and efficiently. However, it has limited GUI and lacks advanced reporting and analytics features, making it more suitable for more technical users.

LanSweeper

LanSweeper is an asset management tool that offers a range of features, including software inventory, network scanning, patch management, and detailed reporting and analytics. It offers customizable dashboards and fast scanning speeds, making it easy to monitor your network infrastructure.

However, it is an expensive solution, with prices ranging from $495 to $5,995, depending on the number of devices you want to monitor. It also has limited scalability, making it less appropriate for larger businesses.

OpenVAS

OpenVAS is a free, open-source vulnerability scanning tool that offers features such as vulnerability scanning, compliance checks, and integration with other security tools. It is easy to use and highly customizable, making it a good choice for businesses with limited resources.

However, it has a steep learning curve and lacks advanced reporting and analytics features, making it more suitable for more technical users.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need network scanning software?

Yes. Network scanning software is essential for any business that wants to monitor its network and prevent cyber-attacks. It allows businesses to detect and analyze network risks and identify security gaps that could lead to data breaches, system downtime, and other security issues.

2. What features should I look for in network scanning software?

You should look for features such as real-time network monitoring, network mapping, alerting and reporting, customizable dashboards, and advanced reporting and analytics features.

3. How much does network scanning software cost?

Network scanning software can range from free to thousands of dollars, depending on the features and number of devices you want to monitor.

4. Can network scanning software detect malware?

Yes. Network scanning software can detect potential malware infections by monitoring network traffic and analyzing suspicious activity.

5. How often should I use network scanning software?

Network scanning software should be used regularly to detect potential security risks and vulnerabilities. The frequency of use depends on the size and complexity of your network infrastructure.

6. Can network scanning software help me comply with regulatory requirements?

Yes. Network scanning software can generate detailed reports on network performance and security, making it easier for businesses to comply with regulatory requirements such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and GDPR.

7. Can network scanning software be integrated with other security tools?

Yes, most network scanning software can be integrated with other security tools such as intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and vulnerability management tools.

Conclusion

Choosing the right network scanning software is essential for keeping your business safe from cyber-attacks and data breaches. We’ve reviewed some of the best network scanning software on the market, highlighting their features, advantages, and disadvantages.

Whether you’re looking for an advanced, feature-rich solution like SolarWinds NPM or a free, open-source option like Nmap, there’s a network scanning software that will meet your needs. Take the time to evaluate your options and choose the one that best fits your business requirements.

Remember, network security is an ongoing process, and regular network scanning is crucial to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities. So, invest in a reliable network scanning software today, and keep your business safe from cyber threats.

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