Fortra VM Quick Start

Follow these steps to start using Fortra VM:

1. Do You Have an Account?

If you do not have a Fortra VM account, contact Technical Support.

2. Configure Scanner Profile
NOTE: If you are only scanning internal IP addresses, skip to the next step.

To scan external IP addresses, enter those addresses when configuring the external scanner profile.
See related: Scanners

NOTE: External IPs must be verified via reverse lookup by Technical Support.
3. Install Your RNA

Make sure your RNA is properly installed and activated. Contact Technical Support if you have questions or need assistance.

See related: Install RNA Virtual Scanner Appliance

See related: Install RNA Hardware Scanner Appliance


What is the RNA?

The Reconnaissance Network Appliance (RNA) is a physical or virtual appliance installed on your network for the purpose of running vulnerability scans against your assets. The comprehensive data gathered by the RNA is presented to you on Fortra VM, a web portal that helps you understand and manage your vulnerabilities without requiring on-site staff.

The RNA utilizes a hardened Linux-based distribution to scan every IP accessible device including servers, printers, routers, switches, etc.; and transfers detected data through a secure connection to Fortra VM. This secure connection allows for the execution of internal testing on a client’s network. The RNA is wholly owned and maintained by Fortra. It must be returned upon completion of the Service Agreement.

• Internal network profiles define all internal facing assets including workstation, Intranet servers, printers, etc., and require an RNA attached to a client’s internal network.
• External network profiles define all external facing assets including routers, perimeter security devices, web servers, and email servers, and do not require an RNA attached to the network.

An internal RNA resides inside the client perimeter security devices and performs security assessments on all internal client assets as configured in the Fortra VM Interface.

4. Schedule a Scan

On the Fortra VM site header, select New > Scan to schedule your first scan.
See related: Create and Run Scans

If you encounter errors, such as when you include Ad Hoc IP Ports, contact Fortra Technical Support.



5. Check the Scan Results

Once your scan completes, select Scan > Scan Activity and then choose your scan to see its detailed results.


See related: Understand Scan Activity



6. Create a Report

On the scan results page, select Build Report.


See related: Create a Report



7. Check Progress in Active View

To see your environment’s security posture and learn how to improve it:

1. From the navigation menu, select Active View.
2. Choose one of the following tabs: Details Overview, Assets or Vulnerabilities.

Active View aggregates data from all your scans and also includes your Security GPA.

See related: Security GPA

To further understand what you see in Active View, refer to the Active View System Health topics.