⚠️ Important: For each agent that you install, you must have a license available, or the machine(s) won't show up on your targets page. (eg. If you're installing the agent onto 10 machines, you must have 10 licenses available.)
ℹ️ Note: Each machine must have a unique device name. If you use the same name as an existing internal target, it won't link.
💡 Tip: For group deployment, have a read of this article.
Step 1: Download the agent installer (but don't launch it)
1. Head to the targets page > select Add target > Internal targets
2. Choose between a Single agent deployment (providing instructions and a link to download the agent for the machine) or Mass deployment (providing the parameters you need for your installation script).
If choosing Single Agent deployment:
3. Enter the details for the machine you wish to scan:
👉 Operating System
👉 Operating System version
👉 Your device name (this must be unique and contain only letters, numbers, or hyphens)
👉 Tag(s) (optional)
➡️ Hit 'Download agent'
ℹ️ Note: The version of Linux you're using could influence the directory where nessus downloads to.
Step 2: Install the agent + link the agent
👉 Open terminal
👉 Run the first command (to install the agent)
👉 Run the second command (to link the agent)
You should then see your target appear in the portal:
Step 3: Reboot the machine
👉 Reboot the machine
👉 Confirm it is online and able to reach
cloud.tenable.com.
Note that for a scan to run on this target, the machine will need to be online and able to reach cloud.tenable.com for the target to show as responsive.
Possible error messages
error: Failed dependencies:
This means that the installation has failed because some dependencies need to be installed first – they should be listed under this message. If you could install them first, and then try the installation again, it should work.
What do the statuses mean?
Status Message | Meaning |
Ready  | The agent is successfully installed and linked, and the target is ready to scan. |
Agent!  | The target has been added to Intruder, but the agent needs to be installed and/or linked.
|
Agent!  | There is an issue with the agent. Confirm the agent is properly installed and linked.
|
If you have any trouble, please click the button below:
Note: Internal vulnerability scanning is available to users on the Pro, Enterprise, or Vanguard plan.