The world is moving towards digitalization from small to large, and every business has a website running to showcase its services. In addition to providing services, they keep user data in their databases, including cookies and personal information provided during registration.
Several technologies make a website more efficient and easy to use, increasing the opportunities to be vulnerable. Scanning is considered the second phase of ethical hacking, following reconnaissance. It aids in locating vulnerabilities in the target.
Website scanners are frequently used to test dynamic web applications; as a result, they are also sometimes referred to as dynamic application security tools (DAST).
Website scanner tools enable analysts or testers to thoroughly scan a website and identify any vulnerabilities or weak points in the web application. The process can be manual or automated depending on the tool’s design.
Website scanner tools crawl through a web app’s pages and files to look for flaws, analyze them in depth, report them, and, if the scanner can do so, simultaneously fix them. For cybersecurity researchers, the recon process has been greatly facilitated by website scanner tools.
What Does A Web Scanner Do?
The Website Scanner tool finds vulnerabilities on a website. If available, it specifies their severity level and CVE IDs and can assign a CVSS score based on the findings.
Since some vulnerabilities and loopholes are complex and some can be found by connecting multiple vulnerabilities, manual scanning is also a best practice to increase security to the next level. This is because automated website scanner tools may be unable to find all types of vulnerabilities and loopholes.
Is It Illegal To Scan A Website For Vulnerabilities?
Yes, it is against the law to scan a website for vulnerabilities without the owner’s consent. Therefore, obtaining the website owner’s permission to monitor their infrastructure and ethically report the results to them is necessary.
The owner’s permission is required because otherwise, you risk getting into legal trouble if the company decides to sue you for scanning and accuses you of stealing intellectual property (IP) rights.
Website scanner tools may scan your website and find malware. However, the scanner’s design may determine whether it blocks and resolves the issue.
Website scanner tools frequently include the ability to scan for malware. This detection may be based on anomaly-based or signature-based techniques. The tool will automatically report the results to the user.
Here Are Our Picks For The Best Web Scanners And Their Short Features
- Acunetix: Automated scanning for web application vulnerabilities, malware, and security flaws with detailed reports.
- App Scanner: Comprehensive application security assessment, detecting vulnerabilities and compliance issues with 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 tools for identifying and exploiting security weaknesses.
- Detectify: Automated website security scanning with detailed reports identifying vulnerabilities, malware, and configuration issues.
- Intruder: Cloud-based vulnerability scanning that detects and prioritizes security issues, providing actionable remediation recommendations.
- APIsec: Specialized in API security, offering automated vulnerability detection and risk assessment for APIs and web services.
- Nessus: Comprehensive vulnerability assessment tool for detecting security flaws, misconfigurations, and compliance issues across various systems.
- Invicti: Automated scanning and real-time alerts 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 features.
Best Web Scanners And Its Features
| 10 Best Website Scanners | Features | Stand Alone Feature | Pricing | Free Trial / Demo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Acunetix | Automated vulnerability scanning Comprehensive web application tests Advanced threat detection Customizable reporting Integrates with CI/CD |
Automated vulnerability scanning for web applications | Starts at $4,500/year | Yes |
| 2. App Scanner | Detailed security analysis Real-time vulnerability detection Code review integration Dynamic and static scanning Automated remediation suggestions |
Scans for vulnerabilities in app code | Contact for pricing | Yes |
| 3. AppTrana | Cloud-based security monitoring Continuous threat intelligence Real-time attack prevention Compliance reporting Vulnerability prioritization |
Real-time threat intelligence and website protection | Starts at $299/month | Yes |
| 4. Burp Suite | Web application penetration testing Manual and automated scans Advanced crawling capabilities In-depth vulnerability analysis Customizable attack tools |
Advanced web application security testing tools | Starts at $399/year | Yes |
| 5. Detectify | Automated vulnerability assessments Extensive security checks Real-time threat detection Customizable security scans Regular updates on threats |
External security scanning with continuous monitoring | Starts at $99/month | Yes |
| 6. Intruder | Continuous vulnerability scanning Comprehensive threat coverage Automated scan scheduling Easy-to-understand reports Integration with development workflows |
Cloud-based vulnerability scanning and reporting | Starts at $79/month | Yes |
| 7. APIsec | API security testing Automated 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 scanning Regular plugin updates Detailed risk assessment Compliance reporting |
Wide-ranging network vulnerability scanning capabilities | Starts at $2,990/year | Yes |
| 9. Invicti | Dynamic web application scanning Automated vulnerability detection Comprehensive risk assessment Easy integration with development tools Customizable scanning profiles |
Automated scanning with detailed vulnerability reports | Starts at $4,950/year | Yes |
| 10. QualysGuard | Cloud-based vulnerability management Automated network and web scans Real-time threat intelligence Detailed compliance reporting Extensive asset discovery |
Cloud-based scanning with integrated vulnerability management | Contact for pricing | Yes |
1. Acunetix
Acunetix offers an automated web vulnerability scanner that identifies and reports various security issues in web applications. Its comprehensive scanning capabilities include detecting SQL injection, XSS, and other critical vulnerabilities.
The tool provides detailed reports with actionable insights to help users remediate vulnerabilities efficiently. Acunetix’s intuitive interface and advanced features cater to security professionals and developers looking to enhance their web application security.
Acunetix integrates seamlessly with various development and deployment environments, enabling continuous security testing within the development lifecycle. Its scalability supports both small projects and large enterprise applications, making it suitable for diverse needs.
Why Do We Recommend It?
- Identification and Remediation of vulnerabilities
- Reporting, alerting, and analytics all in one place.
- Security Auditing and Vulnerability Assessment.
- Integration with other software using APIs.
Pros:
- Lots of integrations are possible.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- User-friendly UI and cost-effective.
Cons:
- Scans are not satisfactory and miss simple vulnerabilities.
- Long response time from customer support.
- Insufficient fuzzing payloads.
2. AppScan
AppScan provides comprehensive security testing for web applications, identifying vulnerabilities and compliance issues. It integrates seamlessly into development workflows, allowing continuous monitoring and rapid remediation of potential security threats.
The tool supports various application types, from web and mobile to APIs, delivering detailed analysis and actionable insights. It helps developers prioritize and address vulnerabilities based on their potential impact.
AppScan offers advanced reporting features and customizable dashboards to track security posture over time. Its automation capabilities streamline the security testing process, making it easier for teams to maintain robust protection against evolving threats.
Why Do We Recommend It?
- Vast scanning modes.
- Highly Scalable for web apps and services.
- Centralized Management
- Regulatory Compliance
Pros:
- Highly secure and capable tool.
- Better visualization of reports.
- Customizable testing policies
Cons:
- Support is too bad.
- Only 1000 scans are allowed with a license, so they must be deleted manually.
- Lots of false positives.
3. AppTrana
AppTrana is a website scanner tool that offers companies security through routine scans, risk detection, traffic monitoring, and other measures. It can be used manually or by scripts that run automatically.
This website scanner tool helps you see all the blocked attacks and new trends. It offers real-time security using APIs against OWASP’s Top threats and has round-the-clock security support.
Custom rules cover all cases that come under WAF sight, and the protection status is shown on the portal. With AppTrana’s unique DDOS policies, you can receive complete protection from DDoS attacks of all types and sizes.
Why Do We Recommend It?
- Security experts on the portal will write custom rules.
- A single-view dashboard with all the asset information.
- Continuous monitoring of tasks running on
- Distributed Global Edge Locations allow users to monitor website performance.
Pros:
- Gives a summary of blocked attacks in a daily report.
- Great support and intuitive dashboard.
- 24×7 monitoring of website
- Immediate firewall update.
Cons:
- Latency was added to the website’s response time.
- More customization options are needed.
4. Burp Suite
Burp Suite is a comprehensive web security testing tool designed to identify vulnerabilities within web applications. It provides a range of features such as a proxy, scanner, and intruder to perform in-depth security assessments.
The tool allows users to intercept and modify HTTP/S traffic between their browsers and web applications, enabling detailed request and response data analysis. This helps identify potential security flaws during the testing process.
Burp Suite’s scanner automates vulnerability detection, including SQL injection and cross-site scripting. It provides detailed reports and recommendations to help security professionals efficiently address and remediate identified issues.
Why Do We Recommend It?
- Ability to intercept and tweak HTTP requests.
- Mapping entire Web App using Spider.
- Fuzzing and brute-forcing parameters using intruder.
- Customizable configurations for testing.
- Multiple Burp extensions and deployment options
Pros:
- Lots of features are available to test vulnerabilities.
- Easy to install and set up.
- Fewer false positives.
- Integration with many powerful extensions.
Cons:
- Log separation is not available for manual scans or automated scans.
- UI can be improved a bit.
5. Detectify
Detectify offers comprehensive website security scanning, identifying vulnerabilities and potential threats in real time. It provides automated scans to detect common security issues and weaknesses, helping businesses proactively protect their online assets.
With a user-friendly interface and customizable scan options, Detectify ensures a thorough analysis of your website. Its vulnerability database is continually updated to address the latest threats, providing detailed reports and actionable recommendations.
Detectify’s integration with various development and deployment tools streamlines the security process, allowing seamless workflow incorporation. It helps teams prioritize and fix vulnerabilities efficiently, enhancing overall site security and compliance.
Why Do We Recommend It?
- Expert remediation tips to fix vulnerabilities.
- Continuous Scanning in 3 different environments.
- It provides a risk score and point-in-time score.
- Integration with tools like Jira, Slack, and webhooks.
Pros:
- Integration of notifications.
- Detailed remediations for the findings.
- Beginner-friendly insightful reports.
Cons:
- UI is confusing and needs to be improved.
- Documentation is not well-maintained.
6. Intruder
Intruder offers automated vulnerability scanning to identify security weaknesses in your website. It provides detailed reports on potential threats, ensuring you stay informed about any risks that could compromise your site’s security.
The tool features an intuitive interface and continuous monitoring capabilities. Intruders help keep your website secure by regularly checking for vulnerabilities, enabling you to address issues before malicious actors can exploit them.
Intruder integrates with various development and security tools, enhancing your ability to manage and remediate vulnerabilities efficiently. This integration supports a proactive security approach, allowing seamless updates and patches as new threats are discovered.
Why Do We Recommend It?
- Authenticated web application scanning.
- Multiple integrations- Jira, Slack, Github, Teams, etc.
- Tons of checks for known vulnerabilities
- Comprehensive testing with well-documented reports.
Pros:
- Real-time scans of the latest signatures.
- Good alert management system.
- Super fast support and resolutions.
Cons:
- The initial setup cost is expensive.
- The license renewal process takes a long time.
7. APIsec
APIsec offers an automated security testing platform that scans APIs for vulnerabilities. It provides continuous monitoring to identify and remediate issues before they can be exploited, ensuring robust protection against potential threats.
With APIsec, organizations benefit from a comprehensive approach to API security, combining automated scans with detailed reporting. This helps teams understand vulnerabilities in their APIs and implement effective mitigation strategies.
The platform integrates seamlessly into development workflows, allowing teams to conduct security assessments without disrupting their processes. This ensures that API security is maintained throughout the development lifecycle, from initial design to deployment.
Why Do We Recommend It?
- Massive number of integrations available.
- Ease of deployment and maintenance.
- Customization.
- APIsec offers enormous scalability.
Pros:
- Continuous and automated DevSecOps support.
- Complete coverage on reports.
- Efficient ticketing system for issues.
Cons:
- Less detailed documentation.
- Customization of product is not up to mark.
8. Nessus
Nessus is a widely used vulnerability scanner designed to identify and assess security weaknesses in networked systems. It provides detailed reports on vulnerabilities, helping organizations prioritize remediation efforts to enhance their security posture.
The tool performs comprehensive scans across various platforms, including operating systems, applications, and network devices. Nessus leverages a vast library of plugins to detect known vulnerabilities and security issues, ensuring a thorough assessment.
Nessus offers customizable scan options and automated reporting features, allowing users to tailor scans to their specific environment and needs. Its user-friendly interface and extensive documentation make it accessible for novice and experienced security professionals.
Why Do We Recommend It?
- Broad CVE coverage.
- Integration on other platforms using API.
- Live results and offline scans.
- External Attack Surface Scanning
Pros:
- Great list of pre-defined templates and plugins.
- Regularly updates the latest CVEs.
- UI is user-friendly.
Cons:
- Very Expensive.
- It is hard to manage and download asset information.
- Plugins are not customizable.
9. Invicti
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, reducing the risk of breaches and ensuring robust security.
The platform integrates seamlessly into your development workflow, offering features like automated scanning, customizable policies, and detailed reporting. This integration helps developers identify and address security issues early in the development cycle, enhancing overall security posture.
Invicti’s user-friendly interface and actionable insights provide technical and non-technical users with clear guidance on addressing vulnerabilities. Its scalable solutions are suitable for businesses of all sizes, ensuring adequate protection across diverse IT environments.
Why Do We Recommend It?
- Ability to integrate scanner within SDLC.
- Automatically produces proof of exploitability.
- On-Prem and On-Demand deployment options are available
Pros:
- Works for both legacy and modern applications.
- Continuous Scan.
- Generates proof of exploit to confirm the vulnerability.
Cons:
- Does not integrate with many systems.
- High price than other competitive tools.
10. QualysGuard
Qualys enables the security risk analysis and reporting of 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 all be integrated with Qualys, and new integration services will soon be added to the platform. QualysGuard has implemented a deep scanning methodology to cover every app within your network perimeter.
This website scanning tool uses behavioral analysis to find infections, malware, and zero-day threats. A central dashboard lets users act 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.
- Monitoring of Compliance.
- Labeling scans and using labels for reporting.
Pros:
- Qualys constantly updates its features.
- You can schedule future scans.
- Cloud-based tools are thus accessible from anywhere.
Cons:
- Inadequate technical support.
- Abysmal documentation.
The post 10 Best Web Scanners for Website Security In 2025 appeared first on Cyber Security News.
