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Vulnerability Assessment

Overview​

To assess the security posture of all devices connecting to the TAMU network, the nessus agent is used for vulnerability security vulnerability assessments. Assessments are conducted based on security control, Vulnerability Scanning (RA-5).

What is a Tenable Nessus Agent?​

Nessus Agent is a service running on a device that acquires configuration and software data from a device.

Appropriate Use​

Effective use of the Nessus agent requires recognizing that endpoints and servers operate with different usage profiles and characteristics. In general, it is recommended that the Nessus agent be installed on servers.

All steps are performed in either of the following places: 

  • Target host that that will have the agent installed 

  • The agent is on a network that has internet capabilities and can reach nmanager.itsec.tamu.edu via port 8834 

    1. This doesn’t have to be on a TAMU network/VPN 

Request​

Information technology professionals on campus may contact endpoint-security@tamu.edu to request access to the agent installers, ask any questions, or request additional information.