Automox vs. BeyondTrust Network Security Scanner, powered by Retina (Legacy)

Automox is well-suited for managing workstations but lacks flexibility for server environments.
It excels in scenarios where systems may not regularly connect to the corporate network but have internet access, ensuring devices can still check in and receive timely patches. This provides organizations with confidence in maintaining patch compliance across remote endpoints.
However, effective use of Automox requires staff who are proficient in PowerShell scripting. The platform has limited native support for third-party applications, often requiring custom worklets to manage software updates. It performs best in environments that primarily rely on widely used, off-the-shelf software.

Incentivized

Retina Network Security Scanner is well suited for any environment and infrastructure that would like to expose security deficiencies across their network as well as visualize vulnerabilities as they pertain to assets in their environment. I cannot think of any scenario that would not be appropriate for this product. Since the product carries over to pretty much all assets in your environment, I don't know off the top of y head what it wouldn't be appropriate for.

Incentivized

• Shows applications installed on a specific asset
• Able to push policies and updates remotely , creating policies is easy.
• Keep track of compliant devices and when is the last time they have connected to the servers
• All the great information provided within one single device

Incentivized

• Besides the fact that Retina NSS performs the fundamental task of scanning all my network devices, one of the main strengths is the speed at which it scans. Time is money and I know people tent to wear that cliché out a bit, but when you are as small as we are of a team, every minute counts.
• We have utilized other network security scanners over the past 21 years and Retina NSS seems to have the smallest footprint with no evidence of scanning degrading performance of the devices scanned.
• They seem to update their database frequently enough that we notice a correlation of threats to discovery.
• There is a small learning curve, but overall, a seasoned IT professional can quickly get up and running in a few hours and get usable results quickly. This falls back on the speed at which Retina NSS scans. My previous network security scanners would sometimes take hours to complete a full vulnerability scan of between 250 - 400 devices, now it only takes a fraction of that time.

Incentivized

• I was not aware that the starting default policies are inactive until I activate them. That would have been a nice pop up to see on first login.
• I think the pricing for integrating 3rd party apps could be more competitive. The base tier is so affordable, the jump up is a bit high.
• I'd like the option to remember my device and not have to use 2FA on every single login to the dashboard from the same device.
• I looked, and cannot find, but would appreciate an iOS mobile app of the dashboard to monitor and adminstrate from my mobile device.

Incentivized

• I do not have any obvious cons to report at this time.

Incentivized

This is a software that just works. Once configured its a set and forget kind of tool that keeps things up to date and alerts me if something is wrong. I was able to work through an expansion project to deploy an additional 500 devices in almost no time and create a robust self-patching environment.

Incentivized

It is super simple to set up and deploy, Maintaining it also easy as pie. It gives great detailed information daily on patches that succeed and ones that fail as well. with remote, patching, scanning, and monitoring all in one pane it has saved us money hand over fist with the tools we no longer need to have for our organization.

Incentivized

1. Simplicity and Ease of Use 2. Cross-Platform Support 3. Powerful Automation with Worklets 4. Real-Time Visibility and Control 5. Fast and Reliable Cloud-Based Updates 6. Strong Security Focus

Incentivized

Implementing Automox successfully starts with a clear strategy for organizing and grouping devices based on operating systems, environments, or business criticality. This ensures that patching and configuration policies can be applied with precision. A phased rollout approach is essential—beginning with a pilot group allows teams to test patching schedules, reboot behaviors, and custom Worklets before scaling across the organization. Leveraging Worklets from the start can significantly boost automation by enforcing security baselines and performing routine system tasks. Integration with existing SOC tools, such as SIEMs, enhances visibility and response time by correlating patch compliance with threat intelligence. Additionally, aligning patching schedules with operational downtimes minimizes disruptions, and consistent monitoring and reporting helps maintain compliance and prepare for audits. Overall, Automox offers a streamlined and effective solution, but its true value is unlocked through thoughtful planning, testing, and integration with existing IT and security workflows.

Incentivized

We felt that Automox provided us with the functionality our MSP offered, including OS and device patching, as well as remote control capabilities, but in a better and more manageable way. We also felt the usability of the tool gave us the ability to be effective in our way of working, as well as integrating with Rapid7 was a massive benefit for us.

Incentivized

Retina Network Security Scanner is the only product we have used in our enterprise. I have used a product in the past called GFI LanGuard Network Security Scanner and while it did perform the functions of vulnerability testing, etc...it just wasn't nearly as refined as Retina NSS. It was slow and was not as lightweight as Retina as far as end-user detection.

Incentivized

• Being a start up, we have pivoted our strategies a number of times. The pay as you go model has worked very well for us, and has prevented us from overprovisioning
• The time saved pulling reports to provide to auditors has been well worth our small spend on the solution
• We have no need to maintain a scanning tool or invest in hardware thanks to the SaaS nature of Automox

Incentivized

• The product is extremely easy to deploy, extremely positive.
• If you take full advantage of this product as I did, you will maximize your ROI quickly as we did.
• We were able to visualize our vulnerabilities efficiently and effectively and maintain scheduled scans that allowed us to maintain a continuous improvement atmosphere while securing our investments.
• The ability provide reporting allows our IT department to prioritize issues and remediate as required without chasing down low risk issues over high risk issues that need immediate attention.

Incentivized