What Qualys Sensors Collect the Type of Data Needed to Perform Vulnerability Assessments?
Vulnerability assessments play a vital role in ensuring the security and stability of an organization’s digital infrastructure. To conduct accurate and comprehensive vulnerability assessments, it is crucial to have access to the right data. Qualys, a leading provider of cloud-based security and compliance solutions, offers a range of sensors that collect the necessary information for vulnerability assessments.
Qualys Cloud Agents
One type of sensor provided by Qualys is the Qualys Cloud Agent. These lightweight software agents are installed on endpoints within an organization’s network.
They collect real-time data about the operating system, installed software, open ports, and other relevant information required for vulnerability assessments. The beauty of cloud agents is that they can be deployed across various platforms, including physical servers, virtual machines, and even containerized environments.
Qualys Virtual Scanners
In addition to cloud agents, Qualys also offers Virtual Scanners. These scanners are virtual appliances that can be deployed within an organization’s network infrastructure or in cloud environments such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure.
Virtual scanners perform deep scans of network devices, servers, and applications to identify vulnerabilities. They collect data such as open ports, running services, configuration settings, and more.
Different Types of Virtual Scanners
- Internal Scanners: These virtual scanners are placed within an organization’s internal network. They can scan devices behind firewalls and provide insights into vulnerabilities within the network perimeter.
- External Scanners: As the name suggests, these scanners are placed outside an organization’s network perimeter.
They simulate external attacks and identify vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors.
- Cloud Scanners: Qualys also offers virtual scanners specifically designed for cloud environments. These scanners are capable of scanning cloud instances, containers, and other cloud-based resources.
Qualys Network Sensors
In addition to cloud agents and virtual scanners, Qualys provides Network Sensors. These physical or virtual appliances are strategically placed within an organization’s network infrastructure to capture network traffic. By analyzing network packets, these sensors collect valuable data about devices, protocols, services, and potential vulnerabilities.
Network sensors are particularly useful for identifying vulnerabilities that may not be detected by other types of sensors. They provide visibility into the traffic flowing through the network and help identify potential security gaps that could be exploited by attackers.
Types of Network Sensors
- Distributed Sensors: These sensors are deployed across various network segments to capture traffic from multiple locations. They provide a holistic view of an organization’s network infrastructure.
- TAP Sensors: TAP (Test Access Point) sensors are connected to network switches using a dedicated port known as a TAP port.
They passively capture network traffic without affecting the normal flow of data.
- SPAN Sensors: SPAN (Switch Port Analyzer) sensors monitor specific ports or VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) on network switches. They copy network traffic for analysis without interrupting the original flow.
In conclusion, Qualys offers a comprehensive range of sensors that collect the necessary data for performing vulnerability assessments. Whether it’s through cloud agents, virtual scanners, or network sensors, Qualys enables organizations to gather accurate and real-time information about their digital infrastructure. By leveraging these sensors, businesses can proactively identify and remediate vulnerabilities, thereby enhancing their overall security posture.