Overview of Qualys
Qualys is a renowned cloud-based security and compliance solution designed to simplify IT security operations and reduce the cost of compliance for organizations of all sizes. Here’s a detailed look at what Qualys does and its key features:
What Qualys Does
Qualys provides a comprehensive suite of security and compliance solutions that deliver critical security intelligence on demand. It automates the full spectrum of auditing, compliance, and protection for Internet perimeter systems, internal networks, and web applications. The platform helps organizations continuously secure their IT infrastructure and comply with both internal policies and external regulations.
Key Features and Functionality
Vulnerability Management
Qualys Vulnerability Management (VM) is a core component that continuously scans and identifies vulnerabilities in IT systems, including servers, network devices, peripherals, and workstations. It provides immediate, global visibility into potential vulnerabilities and recommends the necessary patches to fix them. This service is powered by the Qualys Cloud Platform, which includes cloud agents, virtual scanners, and network analysis capabilities.
Asset Detection and Inventory
Qualys helps in inventorying all managed and unmanaged assets, including hardware, software, IT, and IoT assets. It tags and categorizes these assets, continuously monitoring them for new vulnerabilities.
Continuous Monitoring
Qualys Continuous Monitoring (CM) is a next-generation service that identifies threats and unexpected changes in the Internet perimeter in real-time. It tracks changes in Internet-facing devices and notifies IT staff immediately, allowing for prompt action to prevent breaches.
Incident Response
The platform includes a robust incident response system that correlates vulnerabilities and patches for specific hosts. It uses cloud agents to reduce incident response time and can protect and patch containers in Container-as-a-Service environments.
Automated Remediation
Qualys offers automated remedial features, particularly useful in fast-paced DevOps environments. It can automatically employ available patches, detect code misconfigurations in the development stage, and save time and effort for developers.
Cloud Platform and Sensors
The Qualys Cloud Platform is supported by various sensors, including Internet-based scanner appliances, physical appliances, virtual appliances, and lightweight cloud agents. These sensors provide continuous visibility into all IT assets, whether on-premises, at endpoints, or in the cloud.
User Interface and Customization
The platform features a user-friendly and interactive interface, including a redesigned home page, customizable dashboards, and enhanced support for Qualys Query Language (QQL). This allows users to tailor their experience, gain holistic insights, and create personalized spaces.
Compliance and Reporting
Qualys provides a powerful data analysis, correlation, and reporting engine. It generates accurate, prioritized results and offers a library of built-in reports that can be customized and shared with relevant recipients. The platform also supports various compliance modules, such as PCI compliance, policy compliance, and security assessment questionnaires.
Scalability and Accessibility
Qualys is highly scalable, allowing organizations to easily add or remove IP addresses as their network grows. The service is available 24x7x365 and can be accessed from anywhere through a web browser, with a consistent 99% availability rate.
In summary, Qualys is a comprehensive cloud-based security solution that offers proactive, preventive approaches to network security, continuous monitoring, automated remediation, and robust reporting and compliance features, making it an essential tool for maintaining the security and compliance of IT infrastructure.