How to Use Nessus in Kali Linux

Nessus is an essential tool for network administrators, as it helps identify vulnerabilities in local and remote networks. In this article, we will explore the process of setting up and using Nessus in Kali Linux.

Firstly, you need to install Nessus on your system. Since Kali Linux does not come pre-installed with Nessus, you will have to download the installation package from the Tenable website. Visit the Tenable website and download the package for Debian 7 (Kali Linux is built over Debian 7).

Once you have downloaded the package, follow these steps:

1. Extract the package using the tar command: `tar -xvf nessus-installer*.tar.gz`

2. Install Nessus by running the installer script: `cd /path/to/extracted/folder && ./nessus-installer`

After installation, you will be asked to set up your user credentials when you visit the scanner for the first time. Additionally, the Nessus GUI automatically fetches the latest plugins after installation, which are necessary to help Nessus locate the latest vulnerabilities.

If you haven't registered yet, you will have to do it before you can use Nessus. After registration, you will receive a serial code from Tenable. To update the plugins using this serial code, run the following command: `/nessus-fetch -register 'QREDDR-3$FDF-DFSE3-DFSD3'`

Please note that the `nessus-fetch` command may take some time to complete, as it updates the plugins.

With Nessus installed and configured, you can start scanning your network for vulnerabilities. The Nessus vulnerability scanner is a great tool for identifying weaknesses in your system and helping you patch them before they become major issues.

In conclusion, setting up and using Nessus in Kali Linux is relatively straightforward. By following these steps, you will be able to install and configure Nessus on your system, ready to help you identify vulnerabilities and improve the security of your network.

How to use nessus in kali linux