Introduction to Network Scanning Tools and Their Key Features for 2024

Top 10 Best-Rated Network Scanning Tools in 2024

Here are the lists of the best-rated network scanning tools for 2023:

1) Auvik

Auvik is a cloud-based network monitoring and management software that provides the best way to achieve better network visibility and control. This tool also allows users a 14-day free trial.

Key Features:

- It automates network visibility and IT asset management.
- Clarifies network performance monitoring and helps in troubleshooting.
- It has the ability to automate configuration backup and recovery.
- Easy to navigate the network
- Network is accessible from anywhere, keeping privacy and security as its main focus.
- Develop powerful workflows with Auvik APIs.

2) Advanced IP Scanner

Advanced IP Scanner is another reliable and free network scanner to examine Local Area Networks (LANs). One of the most trusted alternative network administrators would consider a scan. The program displays the network devices and remote control of computers.

Key Features:

- Gives easy access to network shares.
- Allows the remote control via RDP and Radmin.
- It performs MAC address detection and transports scan results to CSV.
- The software can switch on and off computers remotely and scan any device within the network.
- There is no need for installation.

3) Angry IP Scanner

Angry IP Scanner (or simply ipscan) is a free and open-source network scanner developed for easier and more effective port scans. The tools run on Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, and other possible platforms.

Key Features:

- It helps to scan local networks and the internet.
- The tool is proven to work better with multiple data fetchers.
- The feature of Angry IP works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- You can easily transport results into multiple formats.
- Gives a command-line interface.
- This tool needs no installation.

4) Intruder

An intruder is a vulnerability scanner that identifies vulnerabilities and potential risks within your network system. A tool that demonstrates the risks and helps to prevent data breaches.

Key Features:

- It discovers occurring threats and reports on actionable issues.
- It finds active and unresponsive systems hassle-free.
- The tool coverage identifies vulnerabilities in the applications together with infrastructure systems and authenticated areas.
- It has the ability to manage multiple devices and scan cloud-based storage.
- Provides an automated scanning mechanism for the latest network vulnerabilities.

5) ManageEngine OpUtils

ManageEngine OpUtils is an IP address and switch port manager with a set of tools and an instinctive GUI to safeguard the network. The tool is also available in a free version for users.

Key Features:

- Use network protocols such as ICMP and SNMP.
- Can run on Linux and Window servers.
- Troubleshoot network issues in a LAN environment.
- Monitor the network progress, traffic statistics, switches, and networking resources.
- The features give data on IP Addresses, MAC Addresses, and DNS names.
- Provides details on the usage of resources, system configuration, software listing, and viewing configured traps.

6) Nikto

Nikto is an Open Source (GPL) web server scanner that carries out extensive tests within your network for numerous activities. It is widely preferred for running against web servers. One of the most trusted programs to find outdated versions and check potentially dangerous files or programs.

Key Features:

- This scanning feature stores reports in plain text, XML, HTML, NBE, or CSV.
- It can detect and scan many reports through an input file (including nmap output).
- Recognizes installed software.
- Gives full HTTP proxy support.
- The tool is quite suitable for SSL Support (Unix with OpenSSL or maybe Windows with ActiveState's Perl/NetSSL)

7) Nmap

Nmap (Network Mapper) is another free and open-source tool used for the exploration of networks, hosts, and security auditing. This tool comes with limited protection and is likely used in network inventory, service upgrade schedules, and inspecting hosts.

Key Features:

- It comes with NSE scripts and evaluates active hosts within the networking system.
- Accessible in traditional command-line and graphical (GUI) versions that meet your preference.
- Capability to scan huge networks of hundreds of thousands of machines
- Provides a set of advanced features that can be applied to computer operating systems (including Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X).
- Nmap comprises multiple port scanning mechanisms (both TCP and UDP), OS detection, ping sweeps, and others.

8) OpenVAS

OpenVAS (Open Vulnerability Assessment System) is a vulnerability scanner that is a component of Greenbone Vulnerability Manager, making it an important component of any comprehensive security strategy.

It provides vulnerability scanning and management for web servers to use to scan networks and identify issues with its detailed reports.

The tool offers a 14-day trial period for users.

Key Features:

- A free and open-source network security scanner.
- Have predetermined tests that run against a range of hosts, including servers, workstations, and other network devices.
- It supports various operating systems and network protocols, including TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, SSH, and SNMP.
- The tool uses a client-server architecture, where the server runs the vulnerability tests and stores reports in a central database.
- It gives a user interface for getting the results and managing the undertaking of vulnerability assessment.
- The scanning options are full scan, web server scan, and WordPress scan.

Suggested Read – Top Cybersecurity Software Tools In 2024

9) Perimeter 81

Perimeter 81 is a cloud-based tool that provides safe remote access solutions, deploys them, manages them, and helps scale them for various corporations. The plan starts at $8 per month and goes up to $12 per month for the premium plan.

Key Features:

- Create secure and private cloud networks easily accessible from anywhere with any device.
- The features give real-time visibility into network activity and help manage access and security policies.
- Integrates a security mechanism to protect against unauthorized access to the company’s sensitive data, resources, or systems.
- It includes a secure web gateway that filters out malicious content and prevents users from accessing risky web-based threats.
- Perimeter 81 is designed to be user-friendly and easy to set up, making it a popular choice for businesses that need to quickly implement secure remote access solutions.

10) PRTG Network Monitor

PRTG Network Monitor is a powerful network monitoring solution developed by Paessler AG for network administrators to track the performance and accessibility of active devices, applications, or services.

Key Features:

- With customizable dashboards, the reports are customizable as per the requirements.
- The feature gives distributed monitoring that gives up-to-date insights with an unlimited number of remote locations.
- Accessible from anywhere that generates detailed reports
- Easy installation and quick setup make it a trusted tool.
- Alerts and notifications on issues to resolve in real-time
- It supports SNMP, WMI, SSH, HTTP, and SQL.

As per your preference, you can also refer to other popular network scanning tools. A few examples are Qualys Freescan, Retina Network Security Scanner, Syxsense, SoftPerfect Network Scanner, SolarWinds Network, Device Scanner, Wireshark, and more.

Wrap Up

Network scanning tools are preferred for a variety of reasons, including security, network performance, asset management, compliance, and troubleshooting. The major focus of network security tools is to help diagnose and resolve threats as early as possible with detailed information. It aims to identify and eliminate the root cause of problems with network security and maintain infrastructure.

Overall, network scanning tools and software are relevant parts of any network security and management strategy.

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