In today's digital era, where Virtual Private servers (VPS) are increasingly exposed to various cyber threats, continuous vulnerability monitoring becomes imperative to ensure their security. This article focuses on the implementation of continuous vulnerability monitoring on VPS using the OpenVAS tool, which provides a comprehensive solution for regular security checks.
What is OpenVAS?
OpenVAS (Open Vulnerability Assessment System) is an open-source platform for vulnerability analysis, allowing extensive scanning and security assessment of IT systems. It consists of multiple components, including vulnerability scanner, vulnerability database (NVT - Network Vulnerability Tests), and a web interface for scan management.
Environment Preparation
Before initiating the implementation, it's essential to ensure that the VPS is updated and configured to enhance its security. This includes updating the operating system and applications, configuring the firewall, and securing access to the server via SSH keys.
OpenVAS Installation
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Package Installation: OpenVAS and its dependencies need to be installed on the VPS. Most Linux distributions offer OpenVAS within their standard repositories. Installation can usually be done via package manager, such as
sudo apt-get install openvasfor Debian/Ubuntu orsudo yum install openvasfor CentOS/RHEL. -
Configuration and Initial Run: After installation, the configuration script
openvas-setupneeds to be executed, which will download the latest NVTs, set up certificates, and create a user account. This step also involves starting the scanner and the vulnerability database.
Scanning Configuration
OpenVAS offers flexible scanning configuration options, allowing users to customize scanning according to the specific needs of their systems. This includes selecting scanning targets, scheduling scans, and choosing vulnerability scanning types.
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Target Selection: Users can specify IP addresses or ranges of addresses to be scanned.
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Scan Scheduling: For continuous monitoring, it's recommended to set up regular scanning, which can be done through the OpenVAS web interface.
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Scan Types Selection: OpenVAS provides various types of scans, from quick and surface scans to deep and detailed analyses. Users should select the scan type based on the desired scope and depth of analysis.
Results Analysis and Response
Upon completion of scanning, OpenVAS provides detailed reports containing information about identified vulnerabilities, their severity, and recommendations for mitigation. It's crucial to regularly review these reports and implement recommended measures to ensure system security.
The implementation of continuous vulnerability monitoring on VPS using the OpenVAS tool is a crucial step towards ensuring the security of virtual servers. System administrators should regularly perform scanning, analyze the results, and promptly respond to identified vulnerabilities to maintain a high level of system security.
