The course provides a comprehensive understanding of vulnerability management and threat detection using OpenVAS, a leading vulnerability scanning tool. This course equips participants with the skills to configure OpenVAS for effective vulnerability scanning, develop custom scan policies, and conduct comprehensive scans to uncover security weaknesses in systems, networks, and applications. Learners will gain hands-on experience in analyzing OpenVAS reports to assess vulnerabilities, their severity, and potential remediation steps.

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Incident Response and Defense with OpenVAS
This course is part of IBM Ethical Hacking with Open Source Tools Professional Certificate


Instructors: IBM Skills Network Team
Included with
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Configure OpenVAS for effective vulnerability scanning and threat detection.
Develop custom scan policies to address specific security requirements.
Conduct comprehensive scans to uncover vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications.
Analyze OpenVAS reports to assess vulnerabilities, their severity, and remediation steps.
Skills you'll gain
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There are 3 modules in this course
In this foundational module, you will gain hands-on experience installing, configuring, and navigating OpenVAS, an open-source vulnerability scanning platform. The module begins with an introduction to vulnerability assessment and the OpenVAS framework, including its architecture, core components, and role in cybersecurity defense. You will explore the OpenVAS interface, synchronize feed data, and set up scan targets and credentials. Further, you will build and run your first vulnerability scans in a virtual lab environment. By the end of the module, you will be able to navigate the OpenVAS interface, configure scans, and execute basic vulnerability assessments. This module lays the technical groundwork for deeper analysis and incident response activities in later modules.
What's included
1 reading3 assignments6 plugins
This module builds your ability to interpret and act on vulnerability scan results using OpenVAS. You’ll learn to navigate scan reports, understand key metrics, and apply the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) to assess the severity of identified threats. The module emphasizes real-world practices by guiding you through risk prioritization techniques and remediation planning strategies used in professional cybersecurity environments. Through interactive labs, you’ll analyze actual scan data, weigh mitigation options, and propose effective fixes based on asset value, threat intelligence, and exploitability. By the end of the module, you'll be equipped to turn technical findings into actionable security improvements that reduce risk and enhance organizational resilience. This critical skill set prepares you to contribute meaningfully to incident response teams and vulnerability management efforts.
What's included
3 assignments1 plugin
In this module, you will develop the skills to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats using OpenVAS and system logs. Through videos, readings, and hands-on labs, you’ll learn to identify indicators of compromise, analyze anomalous network behavior, and map findings to the MITRE ATT&CK framework. You’ll also explore real-time threat intelligence and practice containment strategies such as isolating compromised systems and mitigating active threats. By the end of the module, you’ll be able to assess threats accurately and apply immediate, effective responses to minimize the impact of cybersecurity incidents in real-world environments.
What's included
2 assignments
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