We have around 500 virtual machines. Therefore, we conduct monthly scans and open tickets for our developers to address identified vulnerabilities. These scans cover the servers, other network equipment, and appliances in our infrastructure.
Assistant Director for Computing and Network infrastructure at SRCE
Helps to conduct monthly scans and open tickets for developers to address identified vulnerabilities
Pros and Cons
- "We have around 500 virtual machines. Therefore, we conduct monthly scans and open tickets for our developers to address identified vulnerabilities. These scans cover the servers, other network equipment, and appliances in our infrastructure."
- "One significant drawback we encounter is the tool's tendency to flag patched packages incorrectly. For instance, if a package is patched by Debian maintainers but not updated to a major or minor version, Nessus may still flag it as vulnerable based on its database. This discrepancy leads to false alarms and requires our developers, system admins, and DevOps teams to address them."
What is our primary use case?
What needs improvement?
One significant drawback we encounter is the tool's tendency to flag patched packages incorrectly. For instance, if a package is patched by Debian maintainers but not updated to a major or minor version, Nessus may still flag it as vulnerable based on its database. This discrepancy leads to false alarms and requires our developers, system admins, and DevOps teams to address them.
It would be beneficial if it could handle minor additions to versions similar to how Debian manages its patches. This feature would allow it to differentiate between patched and non-patched versions.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the product for ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Tenable Nessus is very stable. We encountered some issues with scanning certain network equipment but resolved them by adjusting the parameters. Our main focus is scanning our servers; we haven't experienced any significant problems with that process.
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What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
My company has three users.
How are customer service and support?
We haven't contacted Tenable Nessus for assistance or questions because we haven't encountered any serious issues, and we are generally satisfied with the product.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We chose Tenable Nessus because we primarily rely on open-source products as a publicly funded institution. About ten years ago, we conducted research to determine the best option, and at that time, it stood out as the preferred choice.
How was the initial setup?
Tenable Nessus' deployment is straightforward.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The product is free.
What other advice do I have?
I rate the overall product a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.

Works at a university with 1,001-5,000 employees
Easy to deploy, simple to use, and offers great vulnerability assessments
Pros and Cons
- "It's scalable."
- "It would be a good idea if they have a simulation of attacks or a use case for finding a new vulnerability or dealing with a zero-day attack."
What is our primary use case?
My company uses Tenable as a vulnerability assessment.
We use it for scanning, for the discovery of vulnerabilities in the components or the software, or on the IT infrastructure of our client.
What is most valuable?
The solution can conduct a full vulnerability assessment and also suggest mitigation of vulnerabilities and has a lot of other features.
It creates a classification of the vulnerability and the likelihood and the impact on other features.
The solution is easy to deploy and simple to use.
It's scalable.
The solution is stable.
What needs improvement?
It would be a good idea if they have a simulation of attacks or a use case for finding a new vulnerability or dealing with a zero-day attack.
Right now, it works based on dealing with a vulnerability that is already detected and reported, and it would be great if they have a combination of a vulnerability that existed and another use case to have a more proactive approach to potential new issues. Therefore, doing a simulation of attacks to find a new or zero-day issue or vulnerability would be helpful.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for more than two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is very stable and reliable. I'd rate it four or five out of five. The performance is good. There are no bugs or glitches, and it doesn't crash or freeze.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is very scalable. I'd rate it a four or five out of five in terms of the ease of expansion.
We would use Nessus to conduct a vulnerability assessment. How many people use the solution depends on the client. Maybe five or six people from the engineering side use it in general.
We have a new client coming on, and we will require more users on the product to conduct vulnerability assessments, so we do have plans to increase usage.
How are customer service and support?
I've never had any interaction with customer support. The solution works very well, and we haven't needed help.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is very straightforward. It's not overly difficult, or complex.
I cannot recall how long the deployment process took.
What about the implementation team?
Our technical team handled the deployment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Another department handles the licensing. I can't speak to the exact costs. I do know that we pay a yearly licensing fee.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We would like to discover other solutions and do a comparison to see the better solution for our clients. We've, for example, tried to look into Cyber XM.
What other advice do I have?
We are just end-users and customers.
I'm not sure which version of the solution we're using.
I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Buyer's Guide
Tenable Nessus
April 2025

Learn what your peers think about Tenable Nessus. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: April 2025.
851,823 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Network Security Delivery Manager at alascom
Useful report, responsive technical support, and installation straightforward
Pros and Cons
- "I have found the vulnerability assessment and the reports to be useful."
- "The solution could improve by having better integration with different vendors' IPS solutions. The ACLs and IPS policies signatures should be enabled based on the results of Tenable Nessus automatically, we currently have to do it manually which is very time-consuming. It has done a good job integrating with Fortinet but we would like it to be better integrated with other solutions that we have."
What is our primary use case?
We use Tenable Nessus for vulnerability assessments.
What is most valuable?
I have found the vulnerability assessment and the reports to be useful.
What needs improvement?
The solution could improve by having better integration with different vendors' IPS solutions. The ACLs and IPS policies signatures should be enabled based on the results of Tenable Nessus automatically, we currently have to do it manually which is very time-consuming. It has done a good job integrating with Fortinet but we would like it to be better integrated with other solutions that we have. Additionally, After Tenable Nessus was able to recognize the vulnerability it would be great to have it virtually batch the systems if you are not able to update the different systems.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Tenable Nessus within the last 12 months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
While doing the scans we have not had any issues, the solution is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Tenable Nessus is scalable.
How are customer service and technical support?
The technical support was responsive and helpful. We were trying different integrations and needed some assistance.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is very easy and straightforward. The VM can be done very quickly and the whole process takes approximately 30 minutes. The installation is quicker than others solutions, such as Qualys.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price of the solution is reasonable.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Tenable Nessus an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Head of IT security at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees
Helps with vulnerability management trafficking across an entire group
Pros and Cons
- "I am impressed with the tool's vulnerability scanning."
- "The tool needs to upgrade asset tracking."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution for vulnerability management trafficking across an entire group.
What is most valuable?
I am impressed with the tool's vulnerability scanning.
What needs improvement?
The tool needs to upgrade asset tracking.
For how long have I used the solution?
I am using the tool for two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is extremely stable. I would rate the tool's stability a nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I didn't encounter any issues with scalability and I would rate it a nine out of ten. We have around 3000 user endpoints that are being monitored. My company has around 20 users for the tool.
How are customer service and support?
Our local partner helps with the support.
How was the initial setup?
I would rate the tool's setup a seven out of ten. It is not an easy setup but with proper support, the process is doable.
What was our ROI?
The solution gives us ROI since it offers visibility and helps to tighten controls in our network.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I would like to see better discounts.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate the solution a nine out of ten. It is one of the best tools to use if compliance is your priority.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
CBO at a security firm with 11-50 employees
Scans the network and gives you a report about vulnerability assessment tools and the solution
Pros and Cons
- "It gives you an unlimited IP scan."
- "I would like to have a management option after the network scanning."
What is our primary use case?
Our customers are using this solution. They scan their network, and they get a report about vulnerability assessment tools and solutions.
It's deployed on-prem.
What is most valuable?
It gives you an unlimited IP scan. It's a cheap solution compared to Rapid7 or Qualys. It's very user-friendly. Customers can easily scan their network.
What needs improvement?
I would like to have a management option after the network scanning.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
The difference between Nessus and Rapid7 is price. Nessus is a very cheap solution compared to Rapid7 and has unlimited IP scanning facilities, but Rapid7 doesn't have this option. It has IP limitations. Rapid7 has some models based on how many IPs the customer wants to scan, and the costs depends on that amount.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The cost is around $4,300 per year. Use is unlimited. You don't pay more if you want to use it for another IP.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate this solution 8 out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer:
Vulnerability Management Analyst at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees
Scalable with good VPR scores and great plug-in text information
Pros and Cons
- "The plug-in text information is quite useful."
- "It wasn't very clear how the scripts are running the scans. There's information about the script but it's not straightforward. The script information for each of the plugins should be available, but it doesn't give us straightforward direct information about how it was executed. That needs to be more clear."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution for vulnerability management. We also use it during our IP scans.
What is most valuable?
The VPR scores are the solution's most valuable aspects.
The plug-in text information is quite useful.
The solution can scale well.
We've found the solution to be quite stable.
What needs improvement?
It wasn't very clear how the scripts are running the scans. There's information about the script but it's not straightforward. The script information for each of the plugins should be available, but it doesn't give us straightforward direct information about how it was executed. That needs to be more clear.
We find that the solution causes several issues due to the fact that it runs even before it calculates, the asset in prevention.
I can't think of any features that are lacking.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for one to two years at this point.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's stable. I don't have any major complaints. It doesn't have bugs. It isn't affected by glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze on us. It's reliable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have about 100 direct users who are logging onto the solution on a daily basis.
We don't plan on increasing usage at this time.
We have been able to scale it in the past, however, and a company that needs to expand it should not face too many issues doing so.
How are customer service and technical support?
We've worked with technical support in the past, and we've found them to be quite efficient. They are knowledgable and responsive.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We previously used McAfee and switched over completely at the end of May.
How was the initial setup?
We had some help with the initial setup. We were able to use our vendor's expertise and have them walk us through any issues we had.
However, we completely handle the maintenance now that is it up and running. We have admins who deal with any upkeep.
What about the implementation team?
The vendor assisted us in the initial implementation.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I don't have any information when it comes to the cost of the solution. It's not part of my job to deal with billing or payments, so I don't have any visibility on the cost structure.
What other advice do I have?
We are simply customers. We don't have a business relationship with Tenable.
We're using the latest version of the solution.
I would definitely recommend this solution. It's the best that I've used so far.
On a scale from one to ten, I'd rate it at an eight overall.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Senior Manager at a consultancy with 501-1,000 employees
Geared for use in small environments
Pros and Cons
- "Tenable Nessus is an absolutely stable and fantastic product."
- "Tenable Nessus is not feasible for a large company."
What needs improvement?
While Nessus produces good software, I would like it to allow me to better utilize my homepage. The report structures should be more gradual and effective. Also, other components, such as certain vulnerabilities and Malware detection, should better reflect on the console or dashboard. Nessus does not make this available as there is no centralized dashboard. So too, I require a cloud-based Tenable product, not the one available, which is on-premises.
We have already entered an agreement with Nessus for Tenable.io., following contact I established with South Boston.
Once a person takes part in the demo offered by Tenable.io, we are talking about, more or less, VAS software. The VAS feature is absolutely nice. We have already addressed the coming roadmap with Nessus and it will not include these features. Consequently, perhaps Tenable.io will be the next step. Users such as ourselves will definitely be looking at a different application.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for the past four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Tenable Nessus is an absolutely stable and fantastic product. As a customer I would give it a 90 percent out of 100 rating. This is because we have been really satisfied with its use over the past four years. The company and market standards are growing and the margin standard is going up.
Tenable Nessus is competitively slower than Tenable.io.
What other advice do I have?
We are currently trying to procure Tenable.io from Nessus.
I would definitely recommend Tenable Nessus to those who are operating in small environments, with like-sized infrastructure.
When it comes to a big company we should look towards OpenView. Tenable Nessus is not feasible for a large company. For a team comprising 1,000 people, it would be too unstable. Instead, Tenable.io. would be the appropriate choice since it contains a completely different infra.
I rate Tenable Nessus as an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
IT Security Operations Analyst at a manufacturing company with 10,001+ employees
Fast and easy to use, with good reporting and good support
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable features are that it's fast, it's easy to use and it provides good reports."
- "Remediation needs improvement."
What is our primary use case?
I have been using Tenable Nessus for my personal use. It works well.
I am using this solution for testing.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features are that it's fast, it's easy to use, and it provides good reports.
What needs improvement?
The only thing that I don't like is KBs information. For example, if we scan our workstation and you go to the results report that Nessus provides, we are going to see a lot of KBs as remediation. But in most cases, the KBs are always superseded.
Also, we are not able to apply those because Microsoft has already released a new TB.
Nessus is not doing a good job in updating its remediation section of the reports.
Remediation needs improvement. They are providing a lot of superseded KBs as remediation.
For example, when you share that with several team members or with one individual, and you ask them to work on this, they reply with Microsoft already has something new.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Tenable Nessus for approximately two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
This solution is stable. I have not experienced any issues. It worked fine.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It's a scalable solution. I have not had any problems.
I am the only person using this solution.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support is good. They provided information that is needed.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Previously, I was not using another solution. I use Nessus through a course that I was taking in the security field.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
We did not use a vendor or vendor team to implement this solution.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I have evaluated one other solution, but because of my company policies. I can't share that information.
Tenable has Tenable.io, and I believe that they have the remediation updated, but Tenable Nessus Professional does not. I don't think that they will continue to keep it available in the market. They should probably decommission it.
Remediation is better in other tools than with Nessus.
What other advice do I have?
For anyone who is interested in this solution, they should test the scan timing to see if it consumes a lot of time or not.
Research the remediation information to see if it is okay, or trust proof or not.
The reporting works well and it allows you to share. Also, support is important.
I would rate Tenable Nesuss an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.

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