Scan your web assets from the outside – just like attackers would. Acunetix is a cloud-based online vulnerability scanner that performs automated security scans across websites, web applications, and APIs to uncover real, exploitable security vulnerabilities.
Built on proven dynamic application security testing (DAST) technology, Acunetix combines deep crawling, accurate vulnerability detection, and actionable reporting to support both vulnerability assessment and ongoing vulnerability management – without requiring access to source code.
How online vulnerability scanning works
Acunetix simulates real-world attacks in a controlled way to identify security risks in running applications:
- Discover your attack surface – including pages, endpoints, APIs, and inputs
- Scan for vulnerabilities using automated security checks
- Report confirmed issues with proof and remediation guidance
This outside-in approach provides a realistic view of your website security, similar to penetration testing, but automated and repeatable.
Scan all your web assets
Acunetix provides comprehensive web application security testing across modern environments:
- Websites and web applications hosted on any web server
- APIs, including REST services that power modern applications
- SaaS and cloud-based applications
- Applications behind login forms and authentication workflows
- JavaScript-heavy applications and modern frameworks
- CMS platforms and plugins, including WordPress and Drupal
The scanner automatically discovers assets, maps your attack surface, and identifies hidden entry points – helping ensure no exposed component is missed.
Because it uses dynamic testing, Acunetix works across applications built with any language or framework, without requiring code access.
Detect vulnerabilities that matter
Acunetix identifies a broad range of security vulnerabilities and misconfigurations, including:
- Injection flaws such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS)
- OWASP Top 10 risks and common types of vulnerability
- Known CVEs and outdated software components
- Security misconfigurations, exposed files, and weak credentials
- TLS/SSL issues, web server weaknesses, and server software misconfigurations
- Open ports and infrastructure-related risks
By focusing on vulnerabilities that are actually reachable, Acunetix helps prioritize real security risks over theoretical findings.
Not all online vulnerability scanners are the same
Many basic or open-source security tools perform surface-level checks and generate large volumes of unverified findings.
Acunetix goes deeper with advanced crawling and testing designed for modern web applications and APIs. Instead of just flagging potential issues, it helps confirm which vulnerabilities are real and exploitable – so teams can focus on what matters.
Accuracy with proof, not guesswork
False positives slow down remediation and reduce trust in security tools. Acunetix addresses this with proof-based scanning, which safely confirms exploitability for many findings.
This means:
- Less time spent validating results
- Clear evidence for developers to reproduce issues
- Faster remediation of real vulnerabilities
Your teams can move from detection to resolution without unnecessary delays.
See exactly what your scan finds
Acunetix provides detailed, actionable reports designed for both security and development teams:
- Technical evidence with request and response data
- Proof of exploit for confirmed vulnerabilities
- Clear remediation guidance and references
- Centralized dashboard with real-time visibility into findings
Results are easy to understand, prioritize, and track – helping teams manage new vulnerabilities as they are discovered.
From scan results to remediation
Acunetix supports the full vulnerability management lifecycle:
- Integration with issue trackers such as Jira, GitHub, and GitLab
- CI/CD integration with tools like Jenkins for automated security testing
- Automated workflows to assign and track issues
- Compliance-ready reporting for standards such as ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and HIPAA
Vulnerabilities are converted into actionable tasks, making it easier to fix issues as part of your existing development and DevSecOps processes.
Built for performance at scale
Acunetix is designed for efficient, repeatable security scans:
- High-performance vulnerability scanning engine optimized for both speed and depth
- Intelligent crawling and automated discovery of application entry points
- Optimized request handling to reduce load on applications and firewalls
- Scalable scanning across multiple targets and environments
This allows you to run frequent website security scans without disrupting applications or development workflows.
Online vs. on-premises scanning
Acunetix is available as both a cloud-based (SaaS) and on-premises solution.
- Online scanning enables fast deployment for external assets
- On-premises scanning supports internal applications and restricted environments
Both options deliver the same core functionality, allowing flexibility based on your infrastructure and security requirements.
Why choose Acunetix
Acunetix combines the capabilities expected from modern security tools with the accuracy required for real-world use:
- Proven DAST approach aligned with penetration testing practices
- Proof-based scanning to reduce false positives
- Coverage for modern web application security, APIs, and SaaS platforms
- Integration with development workflows and security tools
- Scalable vulnerability management with centralized reporting
The result is a practical AppSec solution focused on reducing real risk.
Request a demo to see Acunetix in action in your application environment.
Frequently asked questions
Web vulnerabilities can be very dangerous and let criminals steal your sensitive information. Attackers can also use such vulnerabilities to impersonate your users or conduct successful phishing campaigns undermining your reputation. No matter whether you create your own web assets or use ready-made software, you should check them for web vulnerabilities.
To find out how many websites have web vulnerabilities, read our yearly report.
Both types of vulnerability scanners are just as good. You have to choose one depending on your particular needs. For example, you need less time to configure an online vulnerability scanner but you can more easily scan web applications on the intranet using an on-premise (local) solution.
The two Acunetix products that are available online are Acunetix Premium and Acunetix 360. Acunetix Premium is designed for mid-size organizations and offers features such as integrated network and malware scanning, IAST (grey box) scanning, and much more. Acunetix 360 is a full vulnerability assessment and vulnerability management solution for enterprises with outstanding integration capabilities.
No, Acunetix Online and Acunetix On-Premise are treated as separate licenses. They have the same functionality and the same codebase but you cannot switch between one an the other at will. If you need both on-premise and online scanning, contact us to discuss how we can help you achieve that.
We use Acunetix as part of our Security in the SDLC and to test code in DEV and SIT before being promoted to Production.