HostedScan Review: Proactive Vulnerability Management for a Bulletproof Digital Presence

In today’s threat landscape, it’s not if your systems will be attacked, but when. Traditional, reactive security measures are no longer enough. You need a proactive approach that continuously identifies and addresses vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. That’s where HostedScan comes in. HostedScan is a cloud-based vulnerability management platform that provides automated, continuous security scanning, alerting, and reporting. It’s like having a dedicated security expert constantly monitoring your digital assets, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on your core business.

I’ve been digging into HostedScan’s features and capabilities, and I’m impressed by its comprehensive approach and ease of use. This review will break down what makes HostedScan a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes, and why it might be the security solution you’ve been looking for. And full disclosure, if you find HostedScan to be a good fit, purchasing through my link helps support my work.

What Makes HostedScan Different?

HostedScan isn’t just another vulnerability scanner. It’s a complete vulnerability management platform. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Continuous, Automated Scanning: HostedScan doesn’t just run scans on demand. It provides continuous monitoring, alerting you to new vulnerabilities as they emerge. This 24/7 vigilance is critical in today’s rapidly evolving threat environment.
• Multi-Faceted Scanning Approach: HostedScan leverages a suite of industry-leading open-source security tools, including:
  • OpenVAS: For comprehensive vulnerability scanning and detection of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs).
  • Nmap: For network and firewall configuration checks, ensuring nothing is unintentionally exposed.
  • OWASP ZAP: Specifically targets web application vulnerabilities, including front-end and API weaknesses.
  • Sslyze: Analyzes SSL/TLS configurations to identify weak ciphers and certificate issues.
  • GitHub Dependabot & Snyk Integration: Addresses vulnerabilities in your code dependencies and containers.
  • OpenAPI (Swagger) Scanning: Secures your APIs against potential weaknesses.
  • API import: To import scans.
• Actionable Insights, Not Just Data: HostedScan doesn’t just throw raw data at you. It provides clear, prioritized reports and dashboards that help you understand your risk posture and focus on the most critical vulnerabilities.
• Easy Integration: HostedScan integrates seamlessly with your existing workflows through its API and webhook capabilities. This allows for automation of scanning, risk management, and real-time notifications.
• Flexible Use Cases: HostedScan caters to a wide range of security needs, including:
  • Automated Penetration Testing: Simulate attacks to identify exploitable weaknesses.
  • Authenticated Web App Scanning: Scan web applications from the inside out, uncovering vulnerabilities hidden behind login screens.
  • External and Internal Vulnerability Scanning: Assess both your external-facing assets and your internal network.
  • WordPress Vulnerability Scanning: Specifically target vulnerabilities in WordPress websites.
  • DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing): Test running applications for vulnerabilities in real-time.
  • Online Port Scanning: Identify open ports that could be exploited.
  • Continuous Security Monitoring: 24/7 monitoring for new threats.
  • DevSecOps Integration: Integrate security scanning into your CI/CD pipeline.
• Compliance support: Provides reports to meet requirements.

Pros of HostedScan:

• Proactive Security: Continuous monitoring and automated alerts ensure you’re always ahead of potential threats.
• Comprehensive Scanning: Covers a wide range of vulnerabilities, from network misconfigurations to web application flaws.
• Industry-Standard Tools: Leverages trusted open-source scanners like OpenVAS, Nmap, and OWASP ZAP.
• Easy to Use: The platform is intuitive and user-friendly, even for those without extensive security expertise.
• Actionable Reporting: Provides clear, prioritized reports that help you focus on the most critical issues.
• Flexible and Scalable: Suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.
• API and Webhook Integrations: Automates tasks and integrates with your existing workflows.
• Compliance Support: Helps you meet compliance requirements for regulations like PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR.
• Solutions for MSPs and MSSPs: Offers tailored solutions for managed service providers.

Cons of HostedScan:

• Requires Some Security Knowledge: While the platform is user-friendly, understanding the scan results and taking appropriate action requires some basic security knowledge. However, the reports are designed to be as clear as possible.

HostedScan vs. The Competition:

• Nessus: Nessus is a well-known vulnerability scanner, but it’s primarily a point-in-time scanning tool. HostedScan offers continuous monitoring and a more comprehensive vulnerability management platform.
• Qualys: Qualys is another enterprise-grade vulnerability management platform. HostedScan is often a more cost-effective solution, particularly for smaller businesses and MSPs, while still providing robust scanning capabilities.
• Rapid7: Rapid7 offers a range of security solutions, including vulnerability management. HostedScan’s focus on automation and integration with open-source tools can be a differentiator for some users.
• Open-Source Tools (Used Individually): While you could technically use tools like OpenVAS, Nmap, and OWASP ZAP individually, HostedScan provides a unified platform, automated reporting, and continuous monitoring, saving you significant time and effort.

Conclusion: Is HostedScan Right for You?

If you’re serious about protecting your digital assets and proactively managing vulnerabilities, HostedScan is a powerful and versatile solution. Its continuous monitoring, comprehensive scanning capabilities, and actionable reporting make it a valuable asset for businesses of all sizes. The integration with industry-standard open-source tools and the focus on automation are key differentiators.

While some level of security understanding is beneficial, HostedScan’s user-friendly interface and clear reports make it accessible to a wide range of users. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to improve your security posture and stay ahead of emerging threats, HostedScan is definitely worth considering.

Take control of your security. Get started with HostedScan today!