15 Free Online Tools for Website Security Vulnerability & Malware Scanning

In the ever-evolving landscape of Information Technologies, the significance of web security cannot be overstated. Despite the emphasis on website design, SEO, and content, web security should be a paramount concern for website owners. This article explores the criticality of web security and provides an in-depth look at 15 free online tools designed to scan websites for security vulnerabilities, malware, and online threats.

1. SUCURI: Safeguarding Your Online Presence

SUCURI stands out as a leading free website malware and security scanner. Offering a swift malware test, blacklist status check, and identification of injected SPAM and defacements, SUCURI is a versatile tool compatible with various platforms, including WordPress, Joomla, Magento, Drupal, and phpBB.

2. Criminal IP: Real-time Vigilance for Developers

Criminal IP’s Domain Search, a real-time URL scanner, is tailored for developers and cybersecurity teams. Extracting crucial data such as network logs, technologies used, connected subdomains, and certificate information, this AI-based tool provides a holistic view of vulnerability status and potential security threats.

3. HostedScan Security: Automating Vulnerability Management

HostedScan Security offers an automated vulnerability scanning service for businesses. With scanners covering network vulnerability, web application testing, full TCP and UDP port scanning, and TLS/SSL scanning, it provides a comprehensive suite to manage risks through dashboards, reporting, and alerts.

4. Intruder: Robust Cloud-Based Vulnerability Scanning

Intruder emerges as a powerful cloud-based vulnerability scanner designed for the entire web application infrastructure. Its enterprise-ready scanning engine identifies missing patches, misconfigurations, web application issues, and CMS vulnerabilities. Offering a 30-day free trial, Intruder seamlessly integrates with major cloud providers and collaboration tools.

5. Attaxion: Illuminating the Attack Surface

Attaxion serves as an external attack surface management platform, cataloging public-facing assets and assessing their security health. With an intuitive interface, it aids in identifying and prioritizing website issues, vulnerabilities, and misconfigurations, providing asset-to-asset mapping and actionable guidance for remediation.

6. Qualys: SSL/TLS Security Assurance

Qualys’ SSL Server Test is indispensable for scanning websites for SSL/TLS misconfigurations and vulnerabilities. Providing a detailed analysis of https:// URLs, including expiry day, overall rating, cipher, SSL/TLS version, and more, Qualys ensures a robust evaluation of a website’s security posture.

7. Quttera: Comprehensive Website Security Check

Quttera specializes in checking websites for malware and vulnerability exploits. From scanning for malicious files to checking against databases like PhishTank and Safe Browsing (Google, Yandex), Quttera offers a thorough examination of a website’s security landscape.

8. UpGuard: External Risk Assessment Made Simple

UpGuard Web Scan is an external risk assessment tool that categorizes website risks, email risks, network security, phishing, malware, and brand protection. Providing a quick overview of a website’s security posture, UpGuard is a valuable tool for proactive risk management.

9. SiteGuarding: Versatile Security Scanning

SiteGuarding is a versatile tool that scans domains for malware, website blacklisting, injected spam, and defacement. Compatible with various platforms like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and more, SiteGuarding offers not only scanning capabilities but also assistance in malware removal.

10. Observatory by Mozilla: A Comprehensive Security Check

Mozilla’s Observatory assists site owners in checking various security elements, validating against OWASP header security, TLS best practices, and performing third-party tests from SSL Labs, High-Tech Bridge, Security Headers, HSTS Preload, and more.

11. Web Cookies Scanner: All-in-One Security Tool

Web Cookies Scanner offers a comprehensive security tool suitable for scanning web applications. From searching for vulnerabilities and privacy issues in HTTP cookies to examining Flash applets and HTML5 storage, this tool ensures a thorough security evaluation.

12. Detectify: Ethical Hacker-Powered Security Monitoring

Supported by ethical hackers, Detectify offers automated security and asset monitoring for web applications. With vulnerability scanning capacity covering OWASP Top 10, CORS, Amazon S3 Bucket, and DNS misconfigurations, Detectify provides robust security assurance.

13. Probely: API-First Security Testing

Probely functions as a virtual security specialist for web applications, providing periodic diagnostics and vulnerability scanning. Tailored for developers, it follows an API-first development approach, ensuring that features are available first on the service’s API version.

14. Pentest-Tools: Comprehensive Website Vulnerability Scanner

Pentest-Tools’ website vulnerability scanner offers a comprehensive set of tools for information gathering, web application testing, CMS testing, infrastructure testing, and SSL testing. The tool’s Light version performs a passive web security scan.

15. ImmuniWeb: Standards Compliance and Beyond

ImmuniWeb stands as a popular website security scanner, checking sites for standards like PCI DSS & GDPR compliance, HTTP headers, and CMS-specific tests. With a detailed assessment of a website’s security standards, ImmuniWeb provides a holistic view of vulnerabilities.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Website Security for Robust Defense

While the aforementioned security scanners are suitable for occasional on-demand tests, regular scanning may benefit from leveraging open-source vulnerability scanners or SaaS-based solutions. Prioritizing website security is crucial to safeguard against evolving online threats and ensure a robust defense mechanism for web applications.

FAQs

1. What is the importance of scanning my website for security vulnerabilities?

Regularly scanning your website for security vulnerabilities is crucial to identify potential weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious actors. This proactive approach helps in preventing data breaches, maintaining user trust, and ensuring the overall integrity of your online presence.

• 2.How often should I perform security scans on my website?

The frequency of security scans depends on various factors, including the dynamic nature of your website and the sensitivity of the data it handles. As a general guideline, conducting scans monthly or after significant updates can help ensure continuous protection against emerging threats.

• 3.Are these free online tools suitable for all types of websites?

Yes, the mentioned free online tools offer versatility and compatibility with various website platforms, including WordPress, Joomla, Magento, Drupal, and others. However, it’s advisable to check the specific tool’s documentation to confirm compatibility with your website’s technology stack.

• 4.Do these tools provide solutions for fixing identified vulnerabilities?

While some tools offer basic guidance or information about vulnerabilities, their primary purpose is to identify and report security issues. For comprehensive solutions and remediation, users may need to refer to additional resources, consult cybersecurity professionals, or leverage specific tools designed for vulnerability remediation.

• 5. Can website security scanning tools protect against all types of cyber threats?

Website security scanning tools are effective in identifying a wide range of security threats, including malware, vulnerabilities, and misconfigurations. However, they are one component of a holistic cybersecurity strategy. It’s essential to complement scanning tools with practices like regular updates, secure coding, and employee awareness to establish a robust defense against diverse cyber threats.