Tools for Security Tester
Security Consulting Company, which has employed you as a security tester, has asked you to research any new tools that might help you perform your duties. It has been noted that some open-source tools your company is using lack simplicity and clarity or don’t meet the company’s expectations. Your manager, Gloria Petrelli, has asked you to research new or improved products on the market. Based on this information, write a one-page report for Ms. Petrelli describing some port-scanning tools that might be useful to your company. The report should include available commercial tools, such as Retina or Languard, and their costs.
After you are done with the case. write a short answer for the following questions.
- What are the main advantages and disadvantages of each port scanning tool? Compare the Unicornscan with Nmap, Nessus, and OpenVAS tools.
- With respect to security, what operating system do you prefer? Why?
- Port scanning tools are essential for identifying open ports on a system or network, which can help identify potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. Here is a comparison of some popular port scanning tools:
- Nmap: Nmap is a widely-used port scanning tool that offers a range of features, including host discovery, version detection, and OS detection. Nmap is highly customizable and can be used to scan both large networks and individual hosts. One of the main advantages of Nmap is its versatility and the ability to scan for various types of information on both TCP and UDP ports. However, Nmap can be complex to use for beginners.
- Nessus: Nessus is a vulnerability scanner that can also be used for port scanning. Nessus offers a large database of known vulnerabilities and can identify potential security risks on a system. Nessus is user-friendly and can be used to scan multiple hosts at once. However, Nessus is not a free tool, and the full version can be expensive.
- OpenVAS: OpenVAS is an open-source vulnerability scanner that can be used for port scanning as well. OpenVAS is highly customizable and can be used to scan for known vulnerabilities and misconfigurations on a system. OpenVAS is free to use, but it can be more difficult to set up and use than some other tools.
- Unicornscan: Unicornscan is an open-source network scanner that can also be used for port scanning. Unicornscan is highly configurable and can be used for both TCP and UDP scans. Unicornscan is designed to be fast and efficient and can be used to scan large networks quickly. However, Unicornscan is not as user-friendly as some other tools and can be challenging to set up and use for beginners.
- Operating system preference: With respect to security, there is no single operating system that is definitively more secure than others. The security of an operating system depends on various factors, including the configuration, the software installed, and how well the system is maintained.
That being said, some operating systems are more commonly used in enterprise environments due to their security features and community support. For example, Windows Server and Linux are two commonly used operating systems in enterprise environments. Windows Server includes features like Active Directory, Group Policy, and Windows Firewall that can help enhance the security of the system. Linux is known for its security features, including built-in firewalls and access control mechanisms.
Ultimately, the choice of operating system will depend on the specific needs of the organization and the preferences of the security tester. It is important to choose an operating system that is well-supported, regularly updated, and configured securely to help ensure the security of the system.
