Agent-Based Vulnerability Scanning
As organisations grow increasingly reliant on distributed, remote and hybrid infrastructure, the need to secure endpoints across environments has never been more important. Agent-based vulnerability scanning is a modern solution that ensures devices remain secure, even when they are not physically connected to a central network.
As opposed to traditional network-based scanning methods that rely on scheduled scans and visible devices, agent-based scanning installs lightweight software directly on each endpoint. This allows security teams to detect vulnerabilities in real-time, monitor configuration and maintain full visibility even when devices are offline or outside of the corporate firewall.
At FoxTech, we integrate this approach into our broader vulnerability management strategy. Our lightweight agents deliver always on visibility and reduce gaps caused by decentralised working, unpatched software or unmanaged assets.
Whether your team is remote, hybrid or on-site, our agent-based scanning empowers you to maintain a strong security posture without disrupting business operations.
Why Use Agent-Based Vulnerability Scanning?
Many traditional vulnerability scanners rely on network access and IP ranges to identify issues. But in the modern online world of VPNs, cloud services and remote workforces, this approach can quickly fall short. Today, devices are often offline, unreachable or outside of scanning windows and this is where agent-based scanning is vital.
By installing agents directly onto devices such as laptops, servers and virtual machines, you are able to do the following:
- Monitor operating systems and configurations in real time
- Detect vulnerabilities, missing patches and high-risk behaviours without having to wait for scheduled scans
- Maintain visibility even when a device is disconnected from the network
- Operate with minimal impact on device performance
- Eliminate the need for shared credentials, firewall exceptions or network-wide access
With all of the above, you have a significantly improved security posture across your entire organisation.
How FoxTech’s Lightweight Agent Works
FoxTech’s agent is designed to be lightweight and easy to deploy. Once installed on an endpoint, it continuously monitors the local operating system, applications and configurations for known vulnerabilities and misconfigurations. There is also no need to manually schedule or initiate a scan as the agent simply runs in the background.
Collected data is then securely synced to a centralised dashboard whenever the device connects to the internet.
This allows your security team to:
- Access up-to-date vulnerability reports across all devices
- View alerts by severity, category or compliance standard
- Prioritise remediation based on real-time risk exposure
It is important to note that the agent functions independently of network-based scanning limitations. Whether an employee is travelling, working from home or even offline, the agent captures everything you need to stay informed and in control.
Agent-Based vs Agentless Vulnerability Scanning
While network-based (agentless) scanners offer a useful snapshot of device exposure from the outside, they are limited by what they can see. These tools often miss vulnerabilities that exist within the device itself. This is especially true in remote environments, over VPNs or on systems that are not always online.
Agent-based scanning fills this gap by installing a lightweight agent directly on the endpoint. This allows security teams to monitor host-level activity, configurations, and vulnerabilities continuously and regardless of network status.
Here’s how the two approaches compare:
| Capability | Agent-based | Agentless |
| Asset visibility | Deep OS and application-level insights | Surface level and network centric data |
| Offline asset coverage | Yes (syncs when reconnected) | No |
| Credential requirements | Not required | Typically required |
| Network dependancy | Minimal | High |
| Remote workforce fit | Excellent | Limited |
Agent-based scanning is especially beneficial for organisations with remote staff, high compliance obligations or devices that are not always accessible through traditional network scans. It provides the visibility and consistency needed to close internal security gaps without disrupting operations.
Where Agent-Based Scanning Delivers the Most Value
Agent-based scanning becomes especially valuable in complex or distributed environments, where centralised oversight is harder to maintain.
This is particularly effective for:
- Financial services and regulated industries, where audit readiness and real-time vulnerability data are required for compliance.
- Professional services (legal, accounting, insurance), where client data must be protected on both managed and unmanaged devices.
- Higher education, where universities manage thousands of endpoints across open networks and face regular phishing or data theft attempts.
- Small businesses, where internal IT capacity may be limited, but risk exposure remains high.
FoxTech ensures continuous scanning, data sync and remediation support as part of our managed vulnerability management services. We are proud to help organisations implement and manage agents with minimal effort.
Capabilities Delivered by FoxTech’s Agent
Our agent provides comprehensive insight into endpoint security.
Designed to reduce false positives and increase visibility, it delivers key capabilities such as:
- Real-time detection of known vulnerabilities and missing security patches
- Monitoring of software installations, configurations, and application versions
- Identification of risky settings or unapproved tools
- Offline monitoring with deferred data sync
- Role-based access and centralised reporting via the FoxTech Assure platform
- Support for key compliance standards including ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, and GDPR
These features give your team the intelligence needed to act quickly and decisively across every environment.
Benefits of Agent Based Scanning
FoxTech’s agent-based scanning enables security teams to maintain complete visibility across their assets, regardless of location or network conditions.
Agent based vulnerability scanning delivers:
- Continuous, real-time vulnerability detection without scan scheduling
- Visibility into remote, BYOD, and offline devices
- Minimal impact on system resources and user productivity
- Simplified patch verification and policy enforcement
- Centralised reporting and dashboard control
By embedding security into each device itself, rather than relying on central scans or user-triggered updates, you close gaps before attackers can exploit them.
Strengthen Your Security with Agent-Based Vulnerability Scanning
With cyber threats increasing in complexity, businesses can no longer have any blind spots in their endpoint visibility. Agent-based vulnerability scanning ensures every device is accounted for, monitored, and secured.
Discover how FoxTech can help you secure your internal systems, contact us today.
