How to install OpenVAS

Introduction:

In today's interconnected world, network security is of paramount importance. Vulnerability scanning is a crucial aspect of maintaining a secure network, and OpenVAS (Open Vulnerability Assessment System) is a powerful tool that can help you identify and address potential security risks. In this blog post, we will guide you through the installation process of OpenVAS, ensuring you have the necessary tools to protect your network.

Please note that the following guide assumes you are using a Linux-based operating system.

Step 1: Preparing the System

Before installing OpenVAS, ensure your system is up to date. Open the terminal and run the following commands:

  • sudo apt update
  • sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Installing Required Dependencies

OpenVAS relies on several dependencies to function correctly. To install these dependencies, execute the following command:

  • sudo apt install sqlite3 libopenvas9 libopenvas9-dev openvas9-manager openvas9-scanner openvas9-cli

Step 3: Configuring OpenVAS

After the installation of the necessary dependencies is complete, you will need to configure OpenVAS. This involves initializing the database, downloading the Network Vulnerability Tests (NVTs), and creating a user for the OpenVAS management interface.

To begin, run the following command to initialize the OpenVAS database:

  • sudo openvas-manage-db

Next, synchronize the NVTs by executing the following command:

  • sudo openvas-nvt-sync

This process may take a while as it downloads the latest security checks for OpenVAS.

Once the synchronization is complete, create a user by running the command:

  • sudo openvasmd --create-user=<USERNAME> --role=<ROLE>

Replace `<USERNAME>` with your desired username and `<ROLE>` with either "Admin" or "User," depending on the level of access you want to grant.

Step 4: Starting OpenVAS Services
With the configuration complete, start the OpenVAS services by running the following commands:

  • sudo systemctl start openvas-scanner
  • sudo systemctl start openvas-manager
  • sudo systemctl start gsad

Step 5: Accessing the OpenVAS Web Interface

OpenVAS provides a web-based interface called Greenbone Security Assistant (GSA) for managing and scanning your network. Open your preferred web browser and navigate to `https://localhost:9392`. If you are accessing OpenVAS from a different machine, replace "localhost" with the IP address or hostname of the OpenVAS server.

You will likely encounter a security warning about an untrusted SSL certificate since OpenVAS uses a self-signed certificate by default. Accept the warning and proceed to the login page.

Enter the username and password you created during user creation in Step 3, and you will be granted access to the OpenVAS web interface.

Step 6: Updating OpenVAS

To ensure you have the latest security checks and features, it's essential to keep OpenVAS up to date. Run the following commands to update OpenVAS:

  • sudo greenbone-nvt-sync
  • sudo greenbone-scapdata-sync
  • sudo greenbone-certdata-sync

Conclusion:

Installing OpenVAS on your Linux system equips you with a powerful network security tool. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this guide, you can establish a robust vulnerability scanning environment to identify potential security risks and protect your network. Remember to keep OpenVAS updated regularly to stay ahead of emerging threats and vulnerabilities. With OpenVAS as part of your security arsenal, you are taking a proactive approach towards securing your network and ensuring the safety of your digital assets.

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