Click the graph to reveal more information about the vulnerabilities on each device. Your results should include all the devices on your local network, from your router to your Wi-Fi-enabled printer. Each colour of the graph signifies the danger of a vulnerability, from low to critical. Once Nessus finishes, you’ll see a bunch of colour-coded graphs for each device (referred to as hosts) on your network. It also point you to a variety of different tools to then penetration test a network if you want to learn more. Nessus is commercial software made to scan for vulnerabilities, but the free home version offers plenty of tools to help explore and shore up your home network.

Testing these vulnerabilities is a two-step process because a scan just reveals the possibility of problems, a penetration test verifies that the problem is actually exploitable. If they find anything, a hacker would test those vulnerabilities, then find a way to exploit them. A vulnerability scan digs through the various devices on your network and looks for potential holes, like open ports, outdated software with known vulnerabilities or default passwords on devices. If someone wanted to hack your local network, the first thing they’d do is run a vulnerability scan, then they’d run a penetration test. It’s incredibly easy to use, works quickly and can give you a quick rundown of your network’s security at the click of a button. Nessus isn’t new, but it definitely bucks this trend.

When it comes to network security, most of the tools to test your network are pretty complex.

How to use nessus to scan