"
As important as
security is, remaining current with every development is hard, and
evaluating possible vulnerabilities across a network can be quite a
chore. You need a way to both automate tests and make sure you’re
running the most appropriate and up-to-date tests. Open Vulnerability Assessment System
(OpenVAS) is a network security scanner that includes a central server
and a graphical front end. The server allows you to run several
different network vulnerability tests (NVT) written in Nessus Attack
Scripting Language (NASL), which OpenVAS updates frequently.
OpenVAS is a fork of version 2.2 of the classic Nessus scanner. About three years ago, Nessus dropped the GPL,
opting for a more commercial approach for its version 3.0. It decided
to give away the software but charge for quick NVT upgrades and apply
other restrictions. (Some restrictions were recently lifted
for home users.) In July, OpenVAS came out with its 1.0 release and has
made minor updates to it since then. All code is under the GPL."
Read more: http://www.linux.com/feature/149492
