How to Choose a Vulnerability Scan in 2025?

Introduction

In 2025, the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve rapidly, making the choice of a vulnerability scanning tool crucial for protecting systems and data.

However, there are numerous tools on the market, each with its own features and benefits. This can be particularly confusing!

Which one to choose? In what context? For what type of scan? For what type of system?

We shed light on the subject in this article.

A Bit of History

The origin of vulnerability scans dates back to the early days of computing when the first networks were established. At that time, security was often neglected, making systems highly vulnerable.

Vulnerability scans emerged in the 1990s with tools like SATAN: Security Administrator Tool for Analyzing Networks. Over the decades, these tools have evolved to become more sophisticated, integrating constantly updated vulnerability databases and advanced analysis capabilities.

In 1999, the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) system was introduced to standardize the identification and sharing of vulnerabilities. This initiative facilitated communication among security professionals by providing a common nomenclature for known vulnerabilities.

Most vulnerability scanning tools today are based on this nomenclature.

How Does a Vulnerability Scan Work?

A vulnerability scan is an automated process that analyzes a system, network, or application for security flaws.

Key Steps

It generally involves several steps:

1. Discovery: The tool identifies the assets to be analyzed, such as servers, applications, and databases.
2. Analysis: The tool performs a series of tests to detect potential vulnerabilities. This can include penetration tests, configuration analyses, and compliance checks.
3. Report: The tool generates a report detailing the detected vulnerabilities, their severity, and recommendations for remediation.

Vulnerability Scans vs. Automated Penetration Tests

It is important to note that a vulnerability scan is different from an automated penetration test. Although the two processes share similarities, they have different objectives.

• Vulnerability Scan: This is an automated analysis aimed at identifying security flaws in a system or network. The primary goal is to detect known vulnerabilities and provide recommendations for remediation.
• Automated Penetration Tests: These simulate real attacks on a system to assess its resistance to threats. These tests are generally more in-depth and can include advanced exploitation techniques.

Why Is It Important to Choose the Right Vulnerability Scan?

Choosing the right vulnerability scanning tool is essential for several reasons:

• Data Protection: An effective scan helps detect vulnerabilities before they are exploited by attackers.
• Compliance: Many regulations, such as GDPR and PCI DSS, require companies to regularly perform vulnerability scans to ensure data security.
• Cost Reduction: Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities early in the development cycle can significantly reduce costs associated with data breaches and security incidents.

In short, a good vulnerability scan is an essential investment for any organization concerned about its security.

Some Tools

Let’s get to the heart of the matter: which vulnerability scanning tools to use in 2025?

1. Nessus

Nessus is one of the most popular and widely used vulnerability scanning tools. It offers a wide range of features, including vulnerability detection, configuration analysis, and compliance.

• Advantages: User-friendly interface, frequent updates, extensive vulnerability database.
• Disadvantages: High cost for businesses, some advanced features require complex configuration. Not very exhaustive for web applications.

2. Qualys

Qualys is a cloud security platform offering vulnerability scans, along with other security features such as patch management and continuous monitoring.

• Advantages: Cloud solution, easy to deploy, integrates with other security tools.
• Disadvantages: High cost, dependent on internet connectivity. Quite effective for web applications. Less effective for other systems.

3. OpenVAS

OpenVAS is an open-source vulnerability scanning tool that offers a free alternative to commercial solutions. It is based on the Greenbone framework and provides a wide range of features.

• Advantages: Free, open-source, large developer community.
• Disadvantages: Less user-friendly interface, requires additional configuration and maintenance. Not very exhaustive and generally not very good.

4. Nuclei

Nuclei is an open-source vulnerability scanning tool developed by Project Discovery. It focuses on detecting vulnerabilities in web applications and APIs.

• Advantages: Fast, lightweight, easy to use, extensive template library.
• Disadvantages: Less comprehensive than other tools, requires technical knowledge for optimal use. Very effective for web applications.

5. Pentera

Pentera is an automated penetration testing tool that simulates real attacks to assess system security. It can be used in conjunction with a traditional vulnerability scan.

• Advantages: Simulates real attacks, provides detailed reports on vulnerabilities and recommendations.
• Disadvantages: High cost, requires security expertise to interpret results. Very effective for web applications. Israeli-based, so no sovereign service in France.

Comparison Table

Finally, here is a comparison table of the vulnerability scanning tools mentioned above:

Unfortunately, these tools have significant limitations.

Limitations of These Tools

Although these tools are effective in detecting vulnerabilities, they have certain limitations:

1. False Positives: Vulnerability scanning tools can generate false positives, which can waste time and resources for security teams.
2. Complexity: Configuring and using some tools can be complex, requiring security expertise to get the most out of them.
3. Cost: Commercial solutions can be expensive, which can be a barrier for some organizations.
4. Location: Cloud solutions can pose data sovereignty issues, especially for companies subject to strict data protection regulations.

Flawfence: Revolutionizing Vulnerability Scanning

Flawfence is a modern vulnerability scanning and external mapping solution designed with a proactive approach to cybersecurity.

Flawfence’s vulnerability scanning engine stands out in several ways:

Aspect 1: Exhaustiveness

One of the major problems with vulnerability scans is the lack of exhaustiveness.

Flawfence uses the same approaches as traditional tools but adds a layer of verification for all detected vulnerabilities.

Result:

• No false positives
• No false negatives
• Only truly exploitable vulnerabilities

Aspect 2: Communication

The second major problem with vulnerability scanners and automated penetration tests is communication.

• Useless reports.
• Incomprehensible results.
• Inappropriate recommendations.

Flawfence is fundamentally based on AI. This technology generates clear and concise reports tailored to each type of user.

Aspect 3: Sovereignty

Flawfence is a 100% sovereign solution. It is hosted in France and complies with local data protection regulations.

Aspect 4: Cost

Flawfence is an affordable solution compared to other vulnerability scanning tools on the market. It is designed for companies of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.

Aspect 5: Simplicity

Flawfence is fundamentally designed to be easy to use, even for security teams with little experience in vulnerability scanning. No more complex configurations and confusing user interfaces. Simply enter the URL of your application and let Flawfence do the rest.

Conclusion

Choosing the right vulnerability scan in 2025 requires an understanding of your organization’s specific needs and a thorough evaluation of the available options.

Flawfence is a modern and effective solution that meets these needs, offering a proactive approach to cybersecurity.