Lab 3.1.1, Conducting Vulnerability Scanning using Nessus, gave me the most complete learning
experience of the lab exercises. Nessus is one of the many vulnerability scanners used during
vulnerability assessments and penetration testing engagements, including malicious attacks (1).
Although the lab’s steps were fairly basic and simple, the tool’s connections to Tenable Security’s
common vulnerabilities and exposures list is very powerful. Following a system scan, an actionable
report is presented to guide the security professional through hardening the system to better
protect it from known vulnerabilities. While this responsibility is not a role in my current position, it
