SecureScan: Vulnerability Scanner with Nessus in Virtual Environment

Step 1: Download prefered Windows and virtual machine.

Note: For this documentation, we will be using Windows 10 and VMware Workstation 17 Player.

Step 2: Setup virtual machine and operating system.

Step 2A	Step 2B
Create a new virtual machine	Select your ISO image

Step 2C	Step 2D
Finish setup	Wait for the Installation to finish

Step 3: Initial Windows VM Setup

Step 3A	Step 3B
Disable/Pause Windows update	Uinstall previous updates

Step 3C	Step 3D
Disable Windows Defender Firewall for every profile	Ensure that the virtual machine is connected to the designated network before initiating the scan hrough a ping test

Step 4: Setup account and install Nessus

Step 4A	Step 4B
Create a Tenable Nessus Essentials account	Download Nessus

Step 4C	Step 4D
Launch the setup and proceed with the installation process	After the installation, Nessus page will open. Click Connect via SSL

Step 4E	Step 4F
Click Continue to localhost (unsafe)	Log-in to your Nessus account

Step 4G	Step 4H
Enter the activation code sent to your email	Create user account for Nessus

Step 4I
Please wait while Nessus is initializing

Step 5: Configure Nessus for scanning

Step 5A	Step 5B
Upon initialization, you will be directed to this page	Head to the My Scans section and Create a new scan

Step 5C	Step 5D
Explore the array of vulnerability scanners provided by Nessus. Familiarize yourself with their features and capabilities	Let's start by covering the Basic Network Scan and filling up the required fields

Step 5E	Step 5F
Click Continue to localhost (unsafe)	Log-in to your Nessus account

Step 5G	Step 5H
Enter the activation code sent to your email	Create user account for Nessus

Step 4I
Please wait while Nessus is initializing