The world is going digital from small to large, and every business has a website to showcase its services. In addition to providing services, they also save user data in a database, including cookies and personal information provided during registration.
Several techniques make websites more efficient and user-friendly, thus increasing the chances of a website getting hacked. Scanning is considered the second phase of ethical hacking after reconnaissance. It helps in locating vulnerabilities in the target.
Website scanners are often used to test dynamic web applications; therefore, they are sometimes called dynamic application security tools (DAST).
Website scanning tools allow analysts or testers to thoroughly scan a website and identify any vulnerabilities or weaknesses in the web application. Depending on the design of the tool, the process can be either manual or automated.
Website scanners scan web application pages and files, look for vulnerabilities, perform in-depth analysis, report vulnerabilities, and if the scanner is able to do so, fix the vulnerabilities at the same time. For cybersecurity researchers, website scanners greatly facilitate the reconnaissance process.
What Does A Web Scanner Do?
The website scanning tool looks for vulnerabilities on your website. If available, it specifies its severity level and CVE ID, and can assign a CVSS score based on the findings.
Since some vulnerabilities and exploits are complex and some can be discovered by connecting multiple vulnerabilities, manual scanning is also a best practice to take your security to the next level. This is because automated website scanning tools may not be able to find all types of vulnerabilities and exploits.
Is It Illegal To Scan A Website For Vulnerabilities?
Yes, it is illegal to scan a website for vulnerabilities without the owner’s consent. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain the website owner’s permission to monitor their infrastructure and report the results to them ethically.
You need permission from the owner because otherwise you could get into legal trouble if the company decides to sue you for the scan and accuses you of stealing intellectual property (IP) rights.
A website scanning tool may scan your site and find malware. However, the design of the scanner may determine whether it can prevent and resolve the problem.
Website scanning tools often have the capability to scan for malware. This detection may be based on anomaly-based or signature-based techniques. The tool automatically reports the results to the user.
Here Are Our Picks For The Best Web Scanners And Their Short Features
- Acunetix: Automatically scan web applications for vulnerabilities, malware, and security holes and provide detailed reports.
- Application Scanner: Comprehensive application security assessment that detects vulnerabilities and compliance issues and provides actionable insights.
- AppTrana: Real-time vulnerability detection, threat intelligence, and continuous monitoring for comprehensive web application protection.
- Burp Suite: Advanced web vulnerability scanning and penetration testing tool for identifying and exploiting security vulnerabilities.
- Detectify: Automatic website security scans with detailed reports that identify vulnerabilities, malware, and configuration issues.
- Intruder: Cloud-based vulnerability scanning that detects and prioritizes security issues, providing actionable remediation recommendations.
- APIsec: Focuses on API security, providing automated vulnerability detection and risk assessment for APIs and web services.
- Nessus: Comprehensive vulnerability assessment tool for detecting security holes, misconfigurations, and compliance issues in a variety of systems.
- Invicti: Automated scanning and real-time alerting for web application vulnerabilities, focusing on accurate and actionable security insights.
- QualysGuard: Cloud-based security and compliance scanning with extensive vulnerability management and configuration assessment capabilities.
Best Web Scanners And Its Features
| 10 Best Website Scanners | feature | Independent functions | price | Free Trial/Demo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Acunetix | Automatic vulnerability scanning Comprehensive web application testing Advanced Threat Detection Customizable reports Integration with CI/CD |
Automated vulnerability scanning of web applications | From $4,500 per year | Yes |
| 2. Application Scanner | Detailed security analysis Real-time vulnerability detection Code review integration Dynamic and static scanning Automatic repair suggestions |
Scan application code for vulnerabilities | Contact for pricing | Yes |
| 3. AppTrana | Cloud-based security monitoring Continuous Threat Intelligence Real-time attack prevention Compliance Report Vulnerability Priority |
Real-time threat intelligence and website protection | Starting from $299 per month | Yes |
| 4. Burp Suite | Web Application Penetration Testing Manual and automatic scanning Advanced crawling capabilities In-depth vulnerability analysis Customizable attack tools |
Advanced Web Application Security Testing Tools | From $399 per year | Yes |
| 5. Detection | Automated Vulnerability Assessment Comprehensive safety check Real-time threat detection Customizable security scans Regularly update threat information |
External security scanning with continuous monitoring | Starting at $99 per month | Yes |
| 6. Intruder | Continuous vulnerability scanning Comprehensive threat coverage Automatic scan scheduling Easy-to-understand reports Integrate with development workflow |
Cloud-based vulnerability scanning and reporting | Starting from $79 per month | Yes |
| 7. APIsec | API Security Testing Automatic vulnerability detection Detailed API risk analysis Customizable scan configurations Continuous API Monitoring |
Comprehensive API security and vulnerability assessment | Contact for pricing | Yes |
| 8. Nessus | Extensive vulnerability database Comprehensive network scan Regular plugin updates Detailed risk assessment Compliance Report |
Extensive network vulnerability scanning capabilities | From $2,990 per year | Yes |
| 9. Unbeatable | Dynamic Web Application Scanning Automatic vulnerability detection Comprehensive risk assessment Easy integration with development tools Customizable scan profiles |
Automatically scan and provide detailed vulnerability reports | From $4,950 per year | Yes |
| 10. QualysGuard | Cloud-based vulnerability management Automatic network and web scanning Real-time threat intelligence Detailed compliance reporting Extensive asset discovery |
Cloud-based scanning with integrated vulnerability management | Contact for pricing | Yes |
1. Acunetix
Ankunette
Acunetix provides an automated web vulnerability scanner that identifies and reports on a wide range of security issues in web applications. Its comprehensive scanning capabilities include detection of SQL injection, XSS, and other critical vulnerabilities.
The tool provides detailed reports and actionable insights to help users remediate vulnerabilities effectively. Acunetix’s intuitive interface and advanced features cater to security professionals and developers who want to enhance the security of their web applications.
Acunetix integrates seamlessly with a variety of development and deployment environments, enabling continuous security testing throughout the development lifecycle. Its scalability supports both small projects and large enterprise applications, making it suitable for a variety of needs.
Why do we recommend it?
- Vulnerability identification and repair
- Reporting, alerting, and analytics all in one place.
- Security audits and vulnerability assessments.
- Integrate with other software using API.
advantage:
- A variety of integrations are possible.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- User-friendly and cost-effective.
shortcoming:
- Scans were unsatisfactory and missed simple vulnerabilities.
- Customer support response times are long.
- Insufficient fuzz testing payload.
2. AppScan
scanner
AppScan provides comprehensive security testing for web applications, identifying vulnerabilities and compliance issues. It integrates seamlessly into the development workflow, allowing for continuous monitoring and rapid remediation of potential security threats.
The tool supports a variety of application types, from web and mobile to APIs, providing detailed analysis and actionable insights. It helps developers prioritize and address vulnerabilities based on their potential impact.
AppScan provides advanced reporting capabilities and customizable dashboards to track security posture over time. Its automation capabilities streamline the security testing process, making it easier for teams to maintain strong protection against evolving threats.
Why do we recommend it?
- Multiple scanning modes.
- Highly scalable for web applications and services.
- Centralized management
- Regulatory Compliance
advantage:
- Highly secure and powerful tool.
- Better visualization of reports.
- Customizable testing policies
shortcoming:
- The support is so poor.
- The license only allows 1000 scans, so it must be removed manually.
- There are a lot of false positives.
3. AppTrana
Aptranah
AppTrana is a website scanning tool that provides security to companies through routine scanning, risk detection, traffic monitoring and other measures. It can be used manually or through scripts that run automatically.
This website scanning tool helps you see all blocked attacks and new trends. It provides real-time security against OWASP’s top threats using APIs and comes with 24/7 security support.
Custom rules cover all situations within the WAF monitoring scope, and the protection status is displayed on the portal. With AppTrana’s unique DDOS strategy, you can get comprehensive protection against DDoS attacks of all types and sizes.
Why do we recommend it?
- The portal’s security experts will write custom rules.
- A single-view dashboard for all asset information.
- Continuously monitor running tasks
- Distributed global edge locations allow users to monitor website performance.
advantage:
- Provides a summary of blocked attacks in daily reports.
- Great support and an intuitive dashboard.
- 24×7 website monitoring
- Update your firewall immediately.
shortcoming:
- There is an added delay in the website’s response time.
- Need more customization options.
4. Burp Suite
Burp Suite
Burp Suite is a comprehensive web security testing tool designed to identify vulnerabilities in web applications. It provides a range of features such as proxy, scanner, and intruder to perform in-depth security assessments.
The tool allows users to intercept and modify HTTP/S traffic between browsers and web applications, enabling detailed request and response data analysis. This helps identify potential security vulnerabilities during testing.
Burp Suite’s scanner automatically detects vulnerabilities, including SQL injection and cross-site scripting. It provides detailed reports and recommendations to help security professionals effectively address and remediate discovered issues.
Why do we recommend it?
- Ability to intercept and manipulate HTTP requests.
- Use Spider to map your entire web application.
- Use Intruder to fuzz test and brute force parameters.
- Customizable test configurations.
- Multiple Burp extensions and deployment options
advantage:
- There are many functions available for testing vulnerabilities.
- Easy to install and set up.
- Fewer false positives.
- Integrates with many powerful extensions.
shortcoming:
- Manual scanning or automatic scanning does not provide log separation function.
- The UI could be improved a bit.
5. Detectify
Detection
Detectify provides comprehensive website security scans that identify vulnerabilities and potential threats in real time. It offers automated scans to detect common security issues and weaknesses, helping businesses proactively protect their online assets.
Detectify has a user-friendly interface and customizable scanning options to ensure a thorough analysis of your website. Its vulnerability database is constantly updated with the latest threats and provides detailed reports and actionable recommendations.
Detectify’s integration with various development and deployment tools simplifies security processes and enables seamless workflow integration. It helps teams prioritize and remediate vulnerabilities efficiently, thereby enhancing the overall security and compliance of the site.
Why do we recommend it?
- Expert remediation tips to fix vulnerabilities.
- Continuous scanning in 3 different environments.
- It provides risk scores and point-in-time scores.
- Integrate with tools like Jira, Slack, and webhooks.
advantage:
- Notification integration.
- Take detailed remedial measures for problems found.
- An in-depth report suitable for beginners.
shortcoming:
- The UI is confusing and needs improvement.
- The documentation is poorly maintained.
6. Intruder
Intruder
Intruder offers automated vulnerability scanning to identify security holes in your website. It provides detailed reports on potential threats, ensuring you stay informed of any risks that could compromise your website’s security.
The tool features an intuitive interface and continuous monitoring capabilities. Intruder helps keep your website secure by regularly checking for vulnerabilities, allowing you to fix issues before malicious actors exploit them.
Intruder integrates with a variety of development and security tools, enhancing your ability to manage and effectively remediate vulnerabilities. This integration supports a proactive security approach, allowing for seamless updates and patching as new threats are discovered.
Why do we recommend it?
- Authenticated web application scanning.
- Multiple integrations – Jira, Slack, Github, Teams, etc.
- Checks for a large number of known vulnerabilities
- Performs comprehensive testing and generates detailed reports.
advantage:
- Scan for the latest signatures in real time.
- Good alarm management system.
- Super fast support and solutions.
shortcoming:
- The initial setup cost is high.
- The license renewal process takes a long time.
7. APIsec
APIsec
APIsec provides an automated security testing platform that scans APIs for vulnerabilities. It provides continuous monitoring to detect and fix issues before they can be exploited, ensuring strong protection against potential threats.
With APIsec, organizations can benefit from a comprehensive approach to API security that combines automated scanning with detailed reporting. This helps teams understand the vulnerabilities in their APIs and implement effective mitigation strategies.
The platform integrates seamlessly into the development workflow, enabling teams to conduct security assessments without interrupting their processes. This ensures that API security is maintained throughout the development lifecycle, from initial design to deployment.
Why do we recommend it?
- There are tons of integrations available.
- Easy to deploy and maintain.
- custom made.
- APIsec provides tremendous scalability.
advantage:
- Continuous and automated DevSecOps support.
- Comprehensive coverage.
- Efficient issue ticketing system.
shortcoming:
- Not very detailed documentation.
- Product customization is not up to standard.
8. Nessus
Nessus
Nessus is a widely used vulnerability scanner designed to identify and assess security vulnerabilities in network systems. It provides detailed reports on vulnerabilities, helping organizations prioritize remediation actions to enhance their security posture.
The tool performs comprehensive scans across a wide range of platforms, including operating systems, applications, and network devices. Nessus leverages a vast library of plugins to detect known vulnerabilities and security issues, ensuring a comprehensive assessment.
Nessus offers customizable scanning options and automated reporting capabilities, allowing users to tailor scans to their specific environment and needs. Its user-friendly interface and extensive documentation make it easy to use for both novice and experienced security professionals.
Why do we recommend it?
- Extensive CVE coverage.
- Integrate with other platforms using API.
- Real-time results and offline scanning.
- External attack surface scanning
advantage:
- Detailed list of predefined templates and plugins.
- Regularly updated with the latest CVE.
- The UI is very user friendly.
shortcoming:
- Very expensive.
- Difficulty managing and downloading asset information.
- Plugins are not customizable.
9. Invicti
Unbeatable
Invicti is a leading web application security solution that automatically identifies vulnerabilities, including SQL injection and cross-site scripting. Its advanced scanning technology ensures comprehensive coverage, reduces the risk of breaches, and ensures strong security.
The platform integrates seamlessly into your development workflow, providing capabilities such as automated scanning, customizable policies, and detailed reporting. This integration helps developers identify and resolve security issues early in the development cycle, thereby enhancing their overall security posture.
Invicti’s user-friendly interface and actionable insights provide technical and non-technical users with clear guidance on how to address vulnerabilities. Its scalable solution is suitable for businesses of all sizes, ensuring adequate protection in diverse IT environments.
Why do we recommend it?
- Ability to integrate scanners into SDLC.
- Automatically generate proof of exploitability.
- On-premises and on-demand deployment options available
advantage:
- Suitable for both traditional and modern applications.
- Continuous scanning.
- Generate vulnerability proofs to confirm the vulnerability.
shortcoming:
- Does not integrate with many systems.
- The price is higher than other competing tools.
10. QualysGuard
QualysGuard
Qualys enables security risk analysis and reporting for web applications. It combines network analysis (passive scanning) capabilities, cloud agents, and virtual scanners into a single application.
Azure, Splunk, Jenkins, and other services can be integrated with Qualys, and new integrations will be added to the platform soon. QualysGuard has implemented a deep scanning approach to cover every application within the network scope.
This website scanning tool uses behavioral analysis to find infections, malware, and zero-day threats. A central dashboard allows users to operate directly from its interface while displaying scan activity, infected pages, and malware infection trends.
Why do we recommend it?
- Continuous scanning process.
- Asset discovery and inventory.
- File integrity monitoring.
- Compliance monitoring.
- Tag scans and report them using tags.
advantage:
- Qualys is constantly updating its features.
- You can schedule scans for the future.
- Hence, cloud-based tools can be accessed from anywhere.
shortcoming:
- Insufficient technical support.
- Poor documentation.
