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🛠️ Step-by-step: Install Nessus Essentials

1. Download the Debian package​

curl --request GET \
  --url 'https://www.tenable.com/downloads/api/v2/pages/nessus/files/Nessus-10.9.1-debian10_amd64.deb' \
  --output 'Nessus-10.9.1-debian10_amd64.deb'

2. Install the package​

sudo dpkg -i Nessus-*.deb
sudo apt-get install -f -y   # Fix any missing dependencies

Install-Nessus-Terminal-Output

3. Start the Nessus service​

sudo systemctl start nessusd.service

To verify the service is up:

sudo systemctl status nessusd.service

4. Set up via Web UI​

  1. Open your browser and navigate to: https://localhost:8834/
  2. Bypass the SSL warning (click "Advanced" → "Accept risk and continue).
  3. Select Nessus Essentials and complete the registration wizard:
  4. Let Nessus download and compile plugins (~10–20 minutes)

5. You're ready to scan!​

Log in at https://localhost:8834/, build a scan, and target up to 16 IPs (Essentials license limit).

⚠️ Common pitfalls​

  • dpkg errors: Run sudo apt-get install -f to fix dependencies.
  • Activation issues: Copy code carefully (no extra spaces).
  • SSL warning: Expected; skip it and continue.

✅ Install Nessus Self‑Signed CA in Your Browser​

  1. Navigate to: https://localhost:8834/getcert
  2. Download the CA certificate.
  3. Add it to your browser's trusted authorities

Firefox​

Options → Privacy & Security → View Certificates → Authorities → Import

Chrome/Edge​

(OS-managed stores): click Advanced → Proceed → Get Certificate → Install Certificate

This stops the warning temporarily in that browser.