The best network vulnerability scanning tool in 2025

Cyberthreats are evolving, and unpatched vulnerabilities remain one of the biggest security risks for organizations. According to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, organizations that fail to patch known vulnerabilities face an average loss of $4.45 million per incident. Cybercriminals actively exploit outdated firmware and misconfigurations in network devices, making network vulnerability scanners an essential security tool.

If you’re relying on manual assessments or outdated scanning solutions, your network might already be at risk. A network vulnerability scanner provides continuous monitoring, automated detection, and risk-based prioritization, ensuring IT teams can address security gaps before they escalate.

What is a network vulnerability scanner? 

A network vulnerability scanner is a security solution that automatically detects weaknesses in network devices, firmware, and configurations. By continuously monitoring your IT infrastructure, it helps security teams identify missing patches, weak authentication settings, and outdated software that cybercriminals can exploit.

Traditional scanners often focus only on endpoints and applications, leaving critical network devices—like routers, firewalls, and switches—exposed. This makes it essential to choose a scanner that can assess vulnerabilities across the entire network infrastructure, not just individual devices.

Why is a network vulnerability scanner essential?

IT administrators face major challenges in securing their networks without an automated vulnerability scanner:

  • Limited visibility: Tracking vulnerabilities manually across hundreds of devices is impractical.

  • Delayed patching: Many organizations struggle to keep up with firmware updates, leaving security gaps.

  • Regulatory risks: Regulations like the CISA’s Binding Operational Directive 22-01 require organizations to patch known vulnerabilities promptly. Failure to comply can lead to penalties and security incidents.

  • Higher breach potential: The CISA reported that unpatched vulnerabilities were a primary entry point for ransomware attacks in 2023, making timely patching crucial.

A study by Verizon found that more than 80% of exploited vulnerabilities already had patches available before the attack. Yet, without a structured approach to detection and remediation, IT teams often fall behind. The real challenge isn’t just identifying vulnerabilities—it’s prioritizing them, patching them quickly, and enforcing security policies to prevent future misconfigurations.

A robust network vulnerability scanner must go beyond detection. It should analyze threat severity, automate fixes where possible, and ensure continuous compliance to minimize security risks.

This is where ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager excels. Its firmware vulnerability management feature streamlines the entire vulnerability life cycle—from detection to resolution—helping IT teams stay ahead of evolving threats.

How does ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager’s network vulnerability scanner work?

Unlike generic tools, ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager specializes in securing network devices through its firmware vulnerability management feature. Here’s how it ensures airtight security:

  1. Automated device discovery: Identifies and inventories all network devices and firmware versions.

  2. Vulnerability assessment: Matches firmware against the NIST's National Vulnerability Database and other global threat intelligence sources.

  3. Risk-based prioritization: Categorizes vulnerabilities as critical, important, moderate, or low, ensuring security teams focus on the most pressing threats.

  4. Compliance reporting: Provides audit-ready documentation to meet standards like the CIS controls, the NIST's Cybersecurity Framework, the PCI DSS, and HIPAA.

  5. One-click remediation: Allows IT teams to apply patches instantly or roll back to a secure firmware version with minimal downtime.

How does ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager compare to other network vulnerability scanners?

While many vulnerability scanners exist, most lack firmware-focused security for network infrastructure. Here’s how ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager stands out:

Feature

ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager

Traditional vulnerability scanners (e.g., Tenable, Nessus, or Rapid7)

Firmware vulnerability scanning

✅ Yes

❌ No

Automated firmware patch management

✅ Yes

❌ Limited to OS and applications

Network device configuration auditing

✅ Yes

❌ No

Real-time change alerts

✅ Yes

❌ No

Built-in compliance management

✅ Yes

❌ Partial

Automated configuration backups and restoration

✅ Yes

❌ No

Secure your network with ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager

Unpatched vulnerabilities are an open door for cyberattacks, and manual patching is no longer an option. ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager gives IT teams an edge by combining automated network vulnerability scanning, risk-based prioritization, and one-click remediation to keep network devices secure and compliant.

Don’t leave your network exposed—start using ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager’s network vulnerability scanner today by downloading a 30-day, free trial, or schedule a free personalized demo with our product experts.