Though you may not be scanning the nodes on your corporate network for security holes, someone else probably is. NetIQ's Security Analyzer 4.0 (for 20 nodes, $1,200 direct) can help you identify and fix potential vulnerabilities by scanning your Windows, Sun Solaris, and Red Hat Linux machines (you'll want to go with SAINT if you are a Unix shop) to examine the ports, services, program and network settings, and many other factors.

Previously WebTrends Security Analyzer (a PC Magazine Editors' Choice, December 5, 2000), the program runs more than 2,300 vulnerability tests, creates extensive reports on security problems, and makes specific recommendations to address many network security issues. NetIQ provides updates to the test suite as new threats appear. Security Analyzer's output can be tied into NetIQ's other management products, which include tools to evaluate network equipment, VPNs, quality-of-service agreements, firewalls, and other systems.

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