Many organizations use Greenbone/OpenVAS to identify system vulnerabilities, but for entities that must comply with regulations such as ISO 27001, GDPR, PCI-DSS, NIS2, and DORA, automated scanning alone may not be sufficient—especially where proactive controls and more customized approaches are required. Evaluating alternatives is a recurring choice for those seeking greater flexibility, specialized support, and structured compliance. ISGroup SRL positions itself as a partner to support or replace Greenbone/OpenVAS in managing cyber risk.

What is Greenbone/OpenVAS

Greenbone Networks, a German company, develops vulnerability management solutions including OpenVAS, an open-source framework for automated vulnerability analysis. OpenVAS consists of modules such as the OpenVAS Scanner, GVMD (vulnerability manager), and the GSA web interface. The platform allows for full data control, can be installed on-premise, and is free. It is distributed as a hardware appliance, as software for virtual machines, or as a cloud service. The OPENVAS line covers various needs, with over 100,000 global installations and a regularly updated (weekly) feed, which in 2025 includes more than 60,000 checks. Greenbone/OpenVAS is distinguished by its modularity, low cost, and software transparency.

Why evaluate alternatives to Greenbone/OpenVAS

Although widespread, OpenVAS has limitations that lead companies and critical public administrations to consider other options.

False positives and false negatives

Every automated scanner, including OpenVAS, can produce false positives (non-existent vulnerabilities) or false negatives (undetected flaws), for example by flagging CVEs related to inactive services. It is crucial to combine scans with manual verification by experts, as automated reports risk having limited value without critical analysis.

Maintenance and resource requirements

The OpenVAS feed must be updated frequently, requiring secure management of credentials and privileges. The impact on CPU, RAM, and disk I/O is high, and in small virtualized environments, it tends to cause timeouts or incomplete scans. This generates additional burdens in terms of resources and dedicated personnel.

Standardized approach vs. specific context

Greenbone/OpenVAS bases its operation on known checks without simulating real exploits or specific scenarios. Penetration tests, on the other hand, simulate actual attacks and are necessary to discover hidden vulnerabilities and evaluate the real resilience of complex systems and configurations.

Specialized support and flexibility

The Community version does not include support, while the Enterprise version involves rigid contracts. There is a lack of proactive risk management or dedicated points of contact. In many contexts, a partner that works alongside the internal IT team is preferred over a simple software provider.

It makes sense to evaluate alternatives when tailor-made services, continuous risk management, and specialized human support are needed, especially in areas like NIS2 and DORA where security governance must be documented and customized.

ISGroup SRL as an alternative: focus on VA and VMS

ISGroup SRL offers managed security services focused on vulnerability assessment (VA) and vulnerability management service (VMS), going beyond the purely automated approach through a combination of scans and manual verification according to ethical hacking best practices.

Vulnerability Assessment (VA)

• Hybrid approach: combines automated scanning with manual verification of every alert and validation of outcomes, reducing false positives.
• Precision and actionability: detailed reports with classification based on real risk and practical mitigation plans.
• Realistic attack simulation: integrates red teaming tests and real exploit simulations on internal and external perimeters.
• Multi-vendor and multi-tool: uses commercial platforms, open source, and internally developed tools, selected to fit the client’s needs.
• Comprehensive reporting: provides executive and technical documents, remediation plans, and post-audit support.

ISGroup’s VA is suitable for targeted network audits, pre-pen-test assessments, and compliance activities, providing a precise and actionable snapshot of risks and interventions.

Vulnerability Management Service (VMS)

• Continuous process: periodic scans, asset monitoring, and centralized vulnerability management.
• Complete tracking: records all results in an integrated ticketing system, with defined responsibilities.
• Periodic reporting: QBRs for management with trend analysis and improvement plans.
• Dedicated Project Manager: a technical point of contact who coordinates activities and communication.
• Integration with IT teams: collaboration with internal staff and suppliers for solutions consistent with the corporate infrastructure.

For organizations subject to stringent regulations such as NIS2, DORA, and PCI-DSS, adopting a structured and continuous Vulnerability Management service allows for documenting the vulnerability lifecycle and demonstrating compliance in a traceable manner. ISGroup’s VMS is designed exactly for this context.

ISGroup SRL as an alternative to Greenbone/OpenVAS

ISGroup stands out for its artisanal approach, ethical hacking expertise, and real attack simulations (e.g., penetration tests that mimic the tactics of cyber-attackers). It does not limit itself to scanning but offers operational support with dedicated points of contact. It implements methodologies such as Threat-Led Penetration Testing (TLPT), required by the DORA regulation and recommended by NIS2, and performs specific tests (Red Team, CTS) for industries, public administrations, and critical sectors. ISGroup’s services fully cover emerging regulations and allow for a complete cybersecurity governance path: the ideal partner for advanced SMEs, industrial groups, and public administrations that want to reduce cyber risk through real operational plans.

Comparative table: ISGroup SRL vs. Greenbone/OpenVAS

Feature	ISGroup SRL	Greenbone/OpenVAS
Technical approach	Hybrid: automated scans + advanced manual verification	Open-source automated scanner
Contractual flexibility	High: tailored activities, adaptable contracts	Predefined solutions (license or open)
Specialized support	Direct, with an internal team of security engineers	Community or license-based support (no dedicated PM)
Activation time	Rapid (7–15 days, depending on scope)	Immediate (download/install) or based on hardware delivery times
Ideal client profile	Advanced SMEs, critical PA, industrial groups	Organizations with internal security teams, public entities with dedicated IT resources
Service continuity	Structured process (VMS) with dedicated PM and periodic QBRs	Depends on the client: scans possible via Appliance/Cloud, but without continuous proactive management
Realistic simulation	Included in VAs: internal/external attack scenarios	No; only passive scans (no penetration testing)
Tools adopted	Multi-tool & multi-vendor, selected for context	Based on official Greenbone feed (NVT); constantly updated weekly
Reporting	Detailed: executive report, technical, remediation plan	Technical report based on CVE/CVSS, with patch suggestions
Compliance coverage	ISO 27001, NIS2, DORA, OWASP, ACN (fully integrated)	Generic scanner: supports common regulations (ISO, PCI, GDPR…), but without specific adaptations for DORA/NIS2

The table is based on public information available at the time of publication and on typical experience in using the solutions. It is for informational purposes and should always be contextualized to the individual scenario.

When to choose ISGroup SRL

• You need a mix of scans and practical interventions: ISGroup’s in-depth VA identifies real problems before hackers do.
• You need continuous support, not just a report: dedicated consultants are available to accompany the implementation of solutions.
• You operate in regulated sectors (e.g., NIS2/DORA) where VAs and advanced pen tests are mandatory.
• You prefer a reliable technical partner in Italy, not just a SaaS provider.
• You want simulated attack scenarios (Red Team, CTS): ISGroup offers realistic penetration tests to discover weaknesses not covered by scanners.
• You need customized services, flexible according to your corporate IT/OT environment and processes.

Choosing ISGroup as an alternative to Greenbone/OpenVAS depends on the goal of transforming security into a proactive, adaptable, and truly managed process. Those who want to compare the landscape of available solutions can also consult the overview of the main Vulnerability Management Service companies active in Italy, which is useful for navigating the options in the local market.

How to choose the right provider: decision checklist

• Does the provider offer active analysis or just a report? (Prefer those who include manual analysis and remediation).
• Is post-audit support provided, or only technical report delivery?
• Is the service customizable or standard?
• Does it cover all relevant regulations (e.g., NIS2, DORA) with updated methods? (NIS2 recommends VAs and pen tests, DORA mandates simulated tests).
• Is a dedicated technical project manager provided?
• How important is the frequency and coverage of scans for your context?

For example, if service continuity is an issue, OpenVAS implies ordinary feed management and server maintenance, while a managed VMS like ISGroup’s offers the complete vulnerability scanning lifecycle. Those evaluating other market platforms may find it useful to compare with alternatives to Tenable Nessus for vulnerability management or with alternatives to Qualys for Vulnerability Management and Compliance, two common references in this segment.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does ISGroup completely replace OpenVAS or can it work alongside an existing installation?
• ISGroup can operate both as a complete replacement for Greenbone/OpenVAS and alongside it: in the latter case, it integrates manual verification and risk management where the automated scanner falls short, without requiring the immediate decommissioning of tools already in use.
• Is ISGroup’s VMS also suitable for hybrid or multi-cloud infrastructures?
• Yes. The service covers on-premise environments, public clouds (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and hybrid configurations, adapting the tools and scan frequency to the client’s specific perimeter.
• How long does it take to start the service and get the first results?
• Activation generally takes 7–15 working days, varying based on the complexity of the perimeter. The first reports are available at the end of the first scanning and manual verification session, with a remediation plan already included.