--- title: Tenable Nessus/Tenable.io Connector Guide slug: rbvm-help/tenable-nessustenableio-connector-guide createdAt: 2026-10-26T13:51:23.958Z --- **Summary**: How to set up and use the Nessus/Tenable.io connector in Ivanti Neurons RBVM/ASPM/VULN KB. ## Overview Tenable® Nessus® is a widely deployed vulnerability scanner that can help detect malware and identify asset and asset configuration vulnerabilities. The Ivanti Neurons RBVM/ASPM/VULN KB platform supports client connector configurations to provide scheduled uploads of Tenable Nessus vulnerability scan output. The Neurons RBVM/ASPM/VULN KB Integrations page records and displays the last time data from the Tenable Nessus connector was uploaded. When data is pulled from a specific scanner connector, it uploads the last 30 days of scan data into the Neurons RBVM/ASPM/VULN KB platform. This is a default setting that cannot be adjusted. Once the data has been pulled, it is automatically added to the default group. As a reminder, if the data already exists in the platform, it will automatically be moved to the specific group. ## Obtaining Vendor API Keys for Authentication Using the Tenable Nessus connector requires users to have an API key. Depending on the scanner in use, you will need either a Tenable.io or Nessus API key. ### Generating API keys for the Tenable.io Scanner Tenable.io keys can be created/generated from Options in Tenable.io’s scanner dashboard. :::hint{type="info"} To generate API keys compatible with the Neurons RBVM/ASPM/VULN KB connector, your user account in Tenable.io must have the role of Basic or higher with the ability to view and configure scan results. ::: First, log in to the Tenable.io scanner dashboard and open the **My Account** menu by clicking your name/user icon. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/9rfvxhrv8FA-8bxcK2IRv/_Ai3-VYIoa1cDuKz0xaxN_tenable-nessus-tenable-io.jpg" alt="Nessus Connector - Options Menu Location" position="flex-start" size="98" width="686" height="58" initialPath="Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io.jpg" githubPath="RBVM_14.70_help/Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io.jpg" showCaption="false"} On the **My Account** page, click the **API Keys** tab. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/9rfvxhrv8FA-8bxcK2IRv/HWZA0iKS14MUkHw-lunbx_tenable-nessus-tenable-io1.jpg" alt="Nessus Connector - API Keys Tab" position="flex-start" size="88" width="617" height="254" initialPath="Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_1.jpg" githubPath="RBVM_14.70_help/Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_1.jpg" showCaption="false"} The API Keys tab provides information on using the Tenable.io REST API. Click the **Generate** button to create your API keys. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/9rfvxhrv8FA-8bxcK2IRv/NansdDg9sVMmZk68Rvbzh_tenable-nessus-tenable-io2.jpg" alt="Nessus Connector - Generate Button Location" position="flex-start" size="98" width="685" height="202" initialPath="Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_2.jpg" githubPath="RBVM_14.70_help/Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_2.jpg" showCaption="false"} After clicking the Generate button, a warning window notifies you that any previously generated keys will no longer be valid after generating new API keys. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/9rfvxhrv8FA-8bxcK2IRv/zulIwJXCCFugT3mzZceIS_tenable-nessus-tenable-io.png" alt="Nessus Connector - Generate API Keys Window" position="flex-start" size="62" width="434" height="215" initialPath="Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io.png" githubPath="RBVM_14.70_help/Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io.png" showCaption="false"} Click **Generate **to proceed with API key creation. (Otherwise, click **Cancel **to retain previously generated API key usage). Following successful API key generation, the newly generated keys appear in the window above the Generate button. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/9rfvxhrv8FA-8bxcK2IRv/IXupboOh0t-MfAUfRA9ag_tenable-nessus-tenable-io3.jpg" alt="Nessus Connector - API Key Location" position="flex-start" size="98" width="687" height="374" initialPath="Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_3.jpg" githubPath="RBVM_14.70_help/Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_3.jpg" showCaption="false"} Use these keys when setting up a new Tenable Nessus connector in Neurons RBVM/ASPM/VULN KB. Enter the **Access Key** in the connector’s **Access Key **field and the **Secret Key** in the connector’s **Secret Key **field. ### Generating API keys for the Nessus Scanner Nessus API keys can be created/generated from Options on the Nessus scanner’s menu bar. :::hint{type="info"} To generate API keys compatible with the Neurons RBVM/ASPM/VULN KB connector, your user account in Nessus must have the role of Basic or higher with the ability to view and configure scan results. ::: First, log in to Nessus and click the user icon in the upper-right section of the menu bar. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/9rfvxhrv8FA-8bxcK2IRv/oVmkXmiNJ-1uBxxRqywro_tenable-nessus-tenable-io1.png" alt="Nessus Connector - My Account Menu Option" position="flex-start" size="98" width="688" height="240" initialPath="Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_1.png" githubPath="RBVM_14.70_help/Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_1.png" showCaption="false"} In the pop-up menu, click **My Account**. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/9rfvxhrv8FA-8bxcK2IRv/ehxxv1WmZh9B26USCnBjh_tenable-nessus-tenable-io2.png" alt="Nessus Connector - My Account Menu Option in Nessus" position="flex-start" size="57" width="399" height="212" initialPath="Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_2.png" githubPath="RBVM_14.70_help/Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_2.png" showCaption="false"} On the **My Account** page, click the **API Keys** tab in the menu panel. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/9rfvxhrv8FA-8bxcK2IRv/FfNf9MbibCbSEAUoFr2NO_tenable-nessus-tenable-io3.png" alt="Nessus Connector - API Keys Tab in Nessus" position="flex-start" size="96" width="671" height="519" initialPath="Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_3.png" githubPath="RBVM_14.70_help/Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_3.png" showCaption="false"} In the **API Keys** section, click the **Generate **button. ![Nessus Connector - Generate Button Location in Nessus](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/9rfvxhrv8FA-8bxcK2IRv/ZrsR3IpxZXLAqY-dIrgHM_tenable-nessus-tenable-io4.png) Nessus displays a warning window notifying you that any previously generated keys will no longer be valid after generating new API keys. Click the **Generate **button. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/9rfvxhrv8FA-8bxcK2IRv/Ep3FkS6q9bdI9W1sHb_82_tenable-nessus-tenable-io5.png" alt="Nessus Connector - Generate API Keys Window in Nessus" position="flex-start" size="90" width="630" height="202" initialPath="Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_5.png" githubPath="RBVM_14.70_help/Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_5.png" showCaption="false"} Following successful API key generation, the newly generated keys appear in the window above the Generate button. ![Nessus Connector - Access and Secret Keys in Nessus](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/9rfvxhrv8FA-8bxcK2IRv/ovzl6XU3c7r6aWm2Mn9gJ_tenable-nessus-tenable-io6.png) As with the Tenable.io API keys, you can use these keys when setting up a new Tenable Nessus connector in Neurons RBVM/ASPM/VULN KB. Enter the **Access Key** in the connector’s **Access Key **field and the **Secret Key** in the connector’s **Secret Key** field. ## Connector Setup After obtaining either a Tenable or Nessus scanner API key, create a connector in Neurons RBVM/ASPM/VULN KB. :::hint{type="info"} Creating a new connector in Neurons RBVM/ASPM/VULN KB requires the Integration Control IAM privilege. This privilege is available to users with the Administrator, Integration Owner, or Data Manager roles, or may be included in a custom role. ::: To create a connector, log into Neurons RBVM/ASPM/VULN KB and navigate to the **Automate > Integrations** page. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/9rfvxhrv8FA-8bxcK2IRv/N6T9UnB5FOanUDKWj7uEe_palo-alto-xpanse-expander.png" alt="Navigation - Automation - Integrations" position="flex-start" size="33" width="229" height="151" initialPath="Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Palo Alto Xpanse Expander.png" githubPath="RBVM_14.70_help/Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Palo Alto Xpanse Expander.png" showCaption="false"} Using the search bar in the upper-right corner of the **Integrations** page, type **Nessus **to find the connector. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/9rfvxhrv8FA-8bxcK2IRv/6UtVeFyEm1nk8rsnrHj8i_tenable-nessus-tenable-io7.png" alt="Nessus Connector - Search for Nessus Connector" position="flex-start" size="98" width="685" height="188" initialPath="Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_7.png" githubPath="RBVM_14.70_help/Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_7.png" showCaption="false"} Click the **Configuration **button in either the Tenable.io or Nessus connector cards (select based on the API key generated in the previous section). ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/9rfvxhrv8FA-8bxcK2IRv/Ua6Vv8R4JIxfy4DQ2KJ1Q_tenable-nessus-tenable-io8.png" alt="Nessus Connector - Configuration Button Location" position="flex-start" size="90" width="633" height="466" initialPath="Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_8.png" githubPath="RBVM_14.70_help/Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_8.png" showCaption="false"} In the new window under **Connection**, complete the required fields, as described below. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/9rfvxhrv8FA-8bxcK2IRv/OwDepRvoZen_hMMXW1spg_tenable-nessus-tenable-io9.png" alt="Nessus Connector - Connector Configuration Window" position="flex-start" size="84" width="586" height="959" initialPath="Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_9.png" githubPath="RBVM_14.70_help/Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_9.png" showCaption="false"} - **Name**: The connector’s name. Displayed on the connector card. - **URL**: The Tenable Nessus URL. - **Access Key**: The Tenable Nessus access key created in the previous section. - **Secret Key**: The Tenable Nessus secret key created in the previous section. - **Network**: Neurons RBVM/ASPM/VULN KB network name (ingested data associated with this network). - **SSL**: Insert optional SSL certificate. Click **Test Credentials** to verify if the credentials are correct and have access to make API calls to Tenable Nessus. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/9rfvxhrv8FA-8bxcK2IRv/Y0DkKXnzxpdv6luoskRMe_tenable-nessus-tenable-io10.png" alt="Nessus Connector - Test Credentials Button Location" position="flex-start" size="28" width="194" height="138" initialPath="Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_10.png" githubPath="RBVM_14.70_help/Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_10.png" showCaption="false"} Configure the desired schedule for the connector to retrieve results from the Tenable Nessus instance and optionally turn on **Enable auto URBA (Update Remediation by Assessment)** to automatically close findings when they have been resolved and no longer detected. Enter a single folder ID to limit the data ingested to one folder within Tenable Nessus. This optional configuration will only accept a single positive integer. Click **Save** to create the connector. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/9rfvxhrv8FA-8bxcK2IRv/5G1Pk4IWEd8hlyXj-AhaA_tenable-nessus-tenable-io11.png" alt="Nessus Connector - Save Button Location" position="flex-start" size="84" width="590" height="505" initialPath="Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_11.png" githubPath="RBVM_14.70_help/Resources/Images/RS KB Mirror for Ivanti - 2022/Tenable Nessus Tenable io_11.png" showCaption="false"} Once saved, the connector is now visible on the **Integrations** page under **Currently Configured Integrations**. ## Tenable.io/Nessus Data Mapping in Neurons RBVM/ASPM/VULN KB The data from a Tenable/Nessus scan file is ingested into Neurons RBVM/ASPM/VULN KB as hosts and host findings. The scanner name associated with these scans is NESSUS. Scanner Name can be used as a filter on both the Hosts and Host Findings list views.  ### Hosts Page - Asset data extracted from the scan file is shown in the Hosts list view. - Both IP address and hostname are extracted from the scan file. - In the Host Detail under the Sources section, the Scanner is listed as NESSUS. ### Host Findings Page - All findings from the Nessus scan file are shown in the Host Findings view in Neurons RBVM/ASPM/VULN KB. ### Severity Mapping | **Nessus Severity and Value\*** | **Mapping to Neurons** **RBVM/ASPM/VULN KB CHMLI Scale** | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Critical - The plugin's highest vulnerability CVSSv2 score is 10.0. | Critical | | High - The plugin's highest vulnerability CVSSv2 score is between 7.0 and 9.9. | High | | Medium - The plugin's highest vulnerability CVSSv2 score is between 4.0 and 6.9. | Medium | | Low - The plugin's highest vulnerability CVSSv2 score is between 0.1 and 3.9. | Low | | Info - The plugin's highest vulnerability CVSSv2 score is 0.
- or -
The plugin does not search for vulnerabilities. | Informational | \*[Source](https://docs.tenable.com/tenableio/vulnerabilitymanagement/Content/Analysis/RiskMetrics.htm)