Set an Encryption Password

If you set an encryption password, Nessus encrypts all policies, scans results, and scan configurations. You must enter the password when Nessus restarts.

Caution: If you lose your encryption password, it cannot be recovered by an administrator or Tenable Support.

To set an encryption password in the Nessus user interface:

1. In Nessus, in the top navigation bar, click Settings.

   The About page appears.

2. Click the Encryption Password tab.

3. In the New Password box, type your encryption password.

4. Click the Save button.

   Nessus saves the encryption password.

To set an encryption password in the command-line interface:

1. Access Nessus from the CLI.

2. Type the following command specific to your operating system:

   • Linux:

     /opt/nessus/sbin/nessusd --set-encryption-passwd

   • Windows:

     C:\Program Files\Tenable\Nessus\nessusd --set-encryption-passwd

   • macOS:

     /Library/Nessus/run/sbin/nessusd --set-encryption-passwd

3. When prompted, type a new password.

   Note: The password does not appear when you are typing.

   /opt/nessus/sbin/nessusd --set-encryption-passwd

   New password :

   Again :

   New password is set

   If your password is valid, a success message appears.