Get Started with Tenable Nessus

Prepare

• Ensure that your setup meets the minimum system requirements:

  • Hardware Requirements
  • Software Requirements
• Obtain your Activation Code for Tenable Nessus.

Install and configure Tenable Nessus

• Follow the installation steps depending on your Tenable Nessus software and operating system, as described in Install Tenable Nessus.

• Perform the initial configuration steps.

Create and configure scans

1. Run a host discovery scan to identify assets on your network.
2. Create a scan.
3. Select a scan template that fits your needs.

   When you configure a Tenable-provided scan template, you can modify only the settings included for the scan template type. When you create a user-defined scan template, you can modify a custom set of settings for your scan. Tenable sometimes refers to a user-defined template as a policy.

   • Use a Tenable-provided scanner template.
   • (Tenable Nessus Manager only) Use a Tenable-provided Agent template.
   • Create and use a user-defined template by creating a policy.
4. Configure the scan:

   • Configure the scan settings available for your template.

     For information about scan targets, see Scan Targets.

   • (Optional) To configure live results, see Live Results.
   • (Optional) If you are running a credentialed scan, configure credentials.
   • (Optional) If you are running a compliance scan, select the compliance audits your scan includes.
   • (Optional) If you are using an advanced scan template, select what plugins your scan includes.
5. Launch the scan.

View and analyze scan results

• View scan results.
• View and manage vulnerabilities.
• Manage scan folders.
• Create a scan report or export.

Refine Tenable Nessus settings

• Adjust scan settings to address warning messages.
• Monitor scanner health.
• Configure Tenable Nessus advanced settings.