Steal This Computer Book 3: What They Wont Tell You about the Internet

Vulnerability scanners combine the features of an ordinary scanner with a database of all known weaknesses that hackers commonly exploit. The scanners list weaknesses that they find in a network and then offer suggestions for closing these possible openings.

Windows

• Kane Security Analyst A network security assessment tool that provides a fast, thorough analysis of network security for Windows NT and Novell NetWare. Trialware. (http://www.intrusion.com)

• Retina Scan, monitor, and fix vulnerabilities within a network's Internet, Intranet, and Extranet. Windows NT. Trialware. (http://www.eeye.com)

Linux

• The Security Administrator's Integrated Network Tool (SAINT) An updated and enhanced version of SATAN, designed to assess the security of computer networks. Freeware. (http://www.saintcorporation.com/products/saint_engine.html)