Create a Scan

Note: You cannot create and launch scans, create or view policies or plugin rules, or use the upgrade assistant while Tenable Nessus compiles plugins.

Note: If you are scanning a Linux machine with Tenable Nessus, the Linux machine's shell configuration file must have a PS1 variable of four or more characters (for example, PS1='\u@\h:~\$ '). Having a PS1 variable of less than four characters (for example, PS1='\$ ') can drastically increase the overall scan time.

  1. In the top navigation bar, click Scans.

    The My Scans page appears.

  2. In the upper right corner, click the New Scan button.

    The Scan Templates page appears.

  3. Click the scan template that you want to use.

  4. Configure the scan's settings.

  5. Do one of the following:

    • To launch the scan immediately, click the down button, and then click Launch.

      Tenable Nessus saves and launches the scan.

    • To launch the scan later, click the Save button.

      Tenable Nessus saves the scan.