Patrick Domingues

Learn how to install Nessus 10.5.3 on Ubuntu 22.04 in a few simple steps. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure a successful installation of Nessus, a powerful vulnerability scanner for your Ubuntu system.

Introduction:

Ubuntu 22.04 is a widely used operating system, known for its stability and security features. To enhance the security of your Ubuntu system, installing Nessus 10.5.3, a popular vulnerability scanner, is highly recommended. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing Nessus 10.5.3 on Ubuntu 22.04, ensuring your system remains protected from potential security threats.

Table of Contents:

What is Nessus?

Nessus is a comprehensive vulnerability scanner that helps you identify security weaknesses within your network or system. It scans your system for potential vulnerabilities, such as misconfigurations, outdated software, and weak passwords, and provides you with a detailed report to help you mitigate these risks effectively.

Why Install Nessus 10.5.3 on Ubuntu 22.04?

Installing Nessus 10.5.3 on Ubuntu 22.04 offers several benefits for system administrators and individuals concerned about the security of their Ubuntu systems. Some key reasons to install Nessus include:

1. Advanced Vulnerability Scanning: Nessus provides advanced scanning capabilities to identify potential vulnerabilities in your system.
2. Comprehensive Reporting: Nessus generates detailed reports that highlight identified vulnerabilities and offer recommendations for mitigation.
3. Continuous Monitoring: With Nessus installed, you can schedule regular scans to ensure your system remains protected from emerging threats.
4. Compliance and Policy Auditing: Nessus helps you meet industry compliance standards by auditing your system against predefined policies and regulations.

System Requirements

Before installing Nessus 10.5.3 on Ubuntu 22.04, make sure your system meets the following requirements:

• Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (or later) installed
• At least 2GB of RAM
• Sufficient disk space for Nessus 10.5.3 installation
• Internet connectivity to download Nessus 10.5.3

Step 1: Downloading Nessus

To install Nessus 10.5.3 on Ubuntu 22.04, follow these steps:

1. Run the following command in Ubuntu 22.04 to download the package.

curl --request GET \
  --url 'https://www.tenable.com/downloads/api/v2/pages/nessus/files/nessus-updates-10.5.3.tar.gz' \
  --output 'nessus-updates-10.5.3.tar.gz'

Step 2: Installing Nessus

Once you have downloaded the Nessus installation package, follow these steps to install it on Ubuntu 22.04:

1. Open a terminal on your Ubuntu system.
2. Navigate to the directory where the Nessus installation package is located.
3. Run the following command to make the installer executable:

chmod +x Nessus-<version_number>-ubuntu<version_number>_amd64.deb

4. Install Nessus by running the following command:

sudo dpkg -i Nessus-<version_number>-ubuntu<version_number>_amd64.deb

Step 3: Configuring Nessus 10.5.3

After installing Nessus 10.5.3, you need to configure it to customize its settings. Follow these steps to configure Nessus on Ubuntu 22.04:

1. Open a web browser and enter the following URL: https://localhost:8834
2. You will be prompted to create an administrator account. Provide the required information and click on “Register.”
3. Accept the Nessus License Agreement.
4. Set up an SSL certificate for secure communication with the Nessus server.

Step 4: Activating Nessus

To activate Nessus and obtain your activation code, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Tenable account.
2. Navigate to the “My Account” section.
3. Locate the activation code for Nessus and copy it.

Step 5: Accessing Nessus Web Interface

Once you have activated Nessus, you can access its web interface using the following steps:

1. Open a web browser on your Ubuntu system.
2. Enter the following URL: https://localhost:8834
3. Log in with your administrator credentials.
4. You will now have access to the Nessus web interface, where you can configure scans and view vulnerability reports.

Troubleshooting Nessus Installation

If you encounter any issues during the installation of Nessus on Ubuntu 22.04, refer to the official Nessus documentation or the Tenable support website for troubleshooting steps and solutions.

FAQ

1. Can I install Nessus on other Ubuntu versions?
   Yes, Nessus can be installed on various versions of Ubuntu, including Ubuntu 22.04.
2. Is Nessus free to use?
   Nessus offers both free and commercial versions. The free version, known as Nessus Essentials, provides basic vulnerability scanning capabilities.
3. How often should I run Nessus scans?
   It is recommended to run Nessus scans regularly, ideally on a weekly or monthly basis, to ensure continuous monitoring of your system’s security.
4. Can I customize the scan settings in Nessus?
   Yes, Nessus allows you to customize various scan settings, such as the type of vulnerabilities to scan for, scan frequency, and target hosts.
5. Can Nessus scan network devices other than Ubuntu systems?
   Yes, Nessus is capable of scanning various network devices, including routers, switches, and firewalls, in addition to Ubuntu systems.
6. Does Nessus provide remediation steps for identified vulnerabilities?
   Yes, Nessus provides remediation steps and recommendations for each identified vulnerability to assist you in resolving the security issues.

Conclusion

Installing Nessus 10.5.3 on Ubuntu 22.04 is a crucial step towards enhancing the security of your system. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully install Nessus and leverage its powerful scanning capabilities to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities. Regularly scanning your system with Nessus will ensure that your Ubuntu 22.04 system remains protected from emerging security threats.

I hope this article was helpful! You can find more here: Ubuntu Tutorial Articles

Patrick Domingues

See Full Bio