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Setup NodeZero® Host

The NodeZero Host is a critical component of the NodeZero solution, enabling internal penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities within your network. This guide walks you through setting up and configuring a NodeZero Host.

What is a NodeZero Host?

A NodeZero Host is a dedicated system that facilitates internal penetration testing within your network. It serves as the entry point for NodeZero’s automated security assessments, allowing organizations to identify weaknesses inside their infrastructure. Unlike external tests that evaluate internet-facing assets, a NodeZero Host is essential for internal pentests, where threats originate from within a corporate network.

Deployment Strategy

The effectiveness of your NodeZero Host depends on its Placement and Intent, which determine the scope and focus of your pentest:

  • Placement: Specifies the location of the NodeZero Host within your network.
  • Intent: Sets the scope and objectives of the pentest.

Explore the Deployment Strategy page for a comprehensive overview of strategies to optimize your pentesting approach.

verified_user Deployment Strategy chevron_right
Plan your NodeZero Host’s placement and intent to identify vulnerabilities.

This quickstart guide is focused on internal pentests, we recommend placing the host inside your target network scope.

Methods to deploy the Host

A NodeZero Host can be deployed using two methods: the NodeZero OVA (recommended) for quick setup in virtual environments, or manual installation on a Linux system. Select the method that best suits your infrastructure, with OVA being the preferred option for a streamlined installation and automatic updates.

Choose one:

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Recommended
Use a Preconfigured Open Virtual Appliance (OVA) VM image for quick deployment in virtual environments (e.g. VMware, VirtualBox).
  • Includes a utility to keep the NodeZero Host updated.
  • Includes NodeZero Command Line Interface (CLI).
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Install the NodeZero Host manually on Linux for more control. This method requires dependency setup and configuration.
  • Direct setup on a Linux-based system.
  • Install using a script or manual package setup.