InsightVM

Basic Information

• Model: Rapid7 InsightVM (formerly Nexpose)
• Version: The platform undergoes continuous updates. As of August 2025, the Security Console version 8.18.0 is noted in release notes. Insight Agent versions are also regularly updated.
• Release Date: Rapid7 InsightVM features continuous updates, with monthly release notes detailing new features and improvements. Specific component releases include Nexpose version 8.9.1 on June 10, 2025.
• Minimum Requirements: Varies by component (Security Console, Scan Engine, Collector). Detailed in the Technical Requirements section.
• Supported Operating Systems:
  • Security Console: Linux distributions (e.g., Red Hat Enterprise Linux), and Windows.
  • Insight Agent: Microsoft Windows (64-bit recommended), macOS, and various Linux distributions (64-bit recommended).
  • Supported Browsers: Latest stable versions of Google Chrome (recommended), Mozilla Firefox, Mozilla Firefox ESR, and Microsoft Edge.
• Latest Stable Version: Security Console version 8.18.0 (as of August 2025).
• End of Support Date: Rapid7 generally aligns with the operating system vendor's support lifecycle for supported platforms. For the Insight Agent, 32-bit Windows and Linux environments cease receiving updates after May 12, 2025, with customer support for issues on supported OS versions continuing until March 12, 2026. CentOS 7 has reached its end-of-life, and migration to a supported OS is advised.
• End of Life Date: Rapid7 announces End-of-Life (EOL) for products or editions, typically providing a 12-month grace period. Specific EOL dates for the entire InsightVM platform are not fixed due to continuous development, but specific integrations (e.g., Thycotic integration EOL May 31, 2023) and OS support (e.g., Windows XP EOL for Insight Agent July 19, 2020) have defined EOLs.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Insight Agent updates for 32-bit Windows and Linux environments expire after May 12, 2025. The Security Console checks for product updates every 6 hours by default.
• License Type: Subscription-based, typically priced per asset with volume-based discounts available for larger deployments. Billed annually.
• Deployment Model: Flexible deployment options include on-premises (software-only for Linux or Windows, or as a dedicated hardware/software Appliance), cloud-native, cloud-hosted, and hybrid environments.

Technical Requirements

• RAM:
  • Security Console: Minimum 16GB RAM for basic deployments. More is recommended for larger environments, with the database auto-tune feature adjusting based on available RAM.
  • Collector: 8GB RAM.
• Processor:
  • Collector: 2 CPU cores with 2GHz+ on each core.
• Storage:
  • Security Console: Minimum 100GB free storage space for basic deployments, with 1TB recommended for small-scale deployments. Authenticated scans require significantly more disk space.
  • Collector: 60GB available disk space.
• Display: A web-based user interface is accessed via supported browsers, implying standard display capabilities.
• Ports:
  • Security Console to Rapid7 Update System: Outbound 443 (HTTPS) to updates.rapid7.com.
  • Security Console to Insight Platform: Outbound 443.
  • Security Console to Scan Engine: A dedicated, user-selectable TCP port, utilizing encrypted SSL sessions.
  • Scan Engine to Scan Targets: All TCP & UDP ports for unimpeded access.
  • Database (PostgreSQL): Default port 5432.
  • Insight Agent to Insight Platform: Requires connectivity to specific endpoints and ports.
• Operating System:
  • Security Console: Linux (e.g., Red Hat Enterprise Linux), Windows. CentOS 7 is no longer supported.
  • Insight Agent: Microsoft Windows (64-bit recommended), macOS, various Linux distributions (64-bit recommended). 32-bit support ends May 12, 2025.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

Rapid7 InsightVM is a resource-intensive application, with requirements scaling based on the size and activity of the monitored environment. The Security Console, which manages the web interface, database, and reporting, demands substantial CPU, RAM, and disk resources. The platform supports both virtualized and physical deployments, offering flexibility in infrastructure choices. Optimal performance relies heavily on adequate resource provisioning and proper network configuration to ensure seamless communication between components and with Rapid7's cloud platform for updates and data synchronization.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: The Security Console is continuously updated, with version 8.18.0 noted in August 2025 release notes. Insight Agent versions are also frequently updated.
• OS Support:
  • Security Console: Supports various Linux distributions (e.g., Red Hat Enterprise Linux) and Windows operating systems.
  • Insight Agent: Compatible with Microsoft Windows, macOS, and a range of Linux distributions. 64-bit operating systems are recommended, with support for 32-bit systems ending May 12, 2025.
  • Supported Browsers: The latest versions of Google Chrome (recommended), Mozilla Firefox, Mozilla Firefox ESR, and Microsoft Edge are supported for accessing the web interface.
• End of Support Date: Rapid7's support policy generally follows the end-of-life cycles of the operating system vendors for underlying platforms. For the Insight Agent, 32-bit Windows and Linux environments will no longer receive updates after May 12, 2025, with customer support for these specific issues extending until March 12, 2026.
• Localization: Not explicitly detailed in public documentation, but a global customer base implies international usability.
• Available Drivers: As a software platform, InsightVM does not utilize traditional hardware drivers. It integrates with systems through its Insight Agent and extensive API capabilities.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Rapid7 InsightVM demonstrates strong support and compatibility across major operating systems and web browsers, ensuring broad applicability in diverse IT environments. The continuous update model for both the console and agents ensures that the platform remains current with evolving threats and technologies. Rapid7's policy of aligning with OS vendor EOL dates encourages users to maintain up-to-date systems, which is critical for security. The Insight Agent is a cornerstone of its compatibility, extending visibility and data collection across various endpoints.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • Continuous live monitoring of exposures using Rapid7 Agents.
  • AI-driven prioritization with Active Risk Score, integrating real-world threat context and business impact.
  • Unified vulnerability database for comprehensive coverage.
  • Flexible scanning options, including agent-based and agentless methods.
  • Dynamic asset discovery and attack surface monitoring.
  • Integrated threat feeds to stay current with emerging vulnerabilities.
  • Policy assessment for configuration and compliance.
  • Encryption of data at rest and in transit (SSL for console-engine, HTTPS for API).
  • FIPS mode support for InsightGovCloud customers to meet compliance standards.
  • Leverages exploit knowledge from Metasploit for vulnerability validation.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Rapid7 actively addresses vulnerabilities within its own software components, as evidenced by SDK updates to resolve Snyk vulnerabilities. The platform's primary function is to identify vulnerabilities in other systems.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable; Rapid7 InsightVM is a security solution, not a target for blacklisting.
• Certifications: Rapid7 is an AWS Security Competency Partner. Support for FIPS mode in InsightGovCloud indicates adherence to government security standards.
• Encryption Support: All communications between the Security Console and Scan Engines occur over encrypted SSL sessions. API connections require HTTPS. Data processed and stored within the platform is encrypted at rest.
• Authentication Methods: Access to the console requires a username and password. The platform integrates with existing security frameworks for broader authentication management.
• General Recommendations: For optimal security and functionality, it is recommended to disable SELinux during Linux installations, and configure anti-virus/malware software to bypass the Rapid7 installation directory. Interference from Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), personal firewalls, or executable blocking products should be mitigated.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Rapid7 InsightVM offers a high level of security for vulnerability management. Its architecture incorporates robust features such as AI-driven risk prioritization, comprehensive scanning capabilities, and continuous threat intelligence integration. The platform ensures data confidentiality and integrity through strong encryption protocols for both data in transit and at rest. Rapid7's commitment to addressing its own software vulnerabilities and providing secure deployment guidelines contributes to a strong overall security posture, making it a reliable tool for identifying and mitigating risks in complex IT environments.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific, publicly available benchmark scores are not provided in the search results.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • Scan performance can improve significantly (e.g., ~50% faster with ~70% less disk space) by disabling certain detailed data collection if not required for compliance.
  • The integration of scan data, especially from numerous assets, can be memory-intensive.
  • Performance and stability improvements are regularly introduced through framework upgrades, such as the Spring Boot Framework upgrade in August 2025.
  • Outdated PostgreSQL database versions can negatively impact console performance and reporting.
• Power Consumption: Not directly applicable to the software itself. For hardware appliance deployments, power consumption would be a factor, but specific data is not available.
• Carbon Footprint: Not directly applicable to the software. No specific data is available.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Rapid7 InsightVM is recognized as a leader in the vulnerability management space by industry analysts like Forrester. While offering extensive features, its cost can be higher compared to some alternative solutions, positioning it as a mid-market to enterprise-level offering.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

Rapid7 InsightVM's performance is highly adaptable and scalable, designed to meet the demands of various organizational sizes. Its efficiency is significantly influenced by the underlying infrastructure, proper resource allocation, and optimized configuration. While specific benchmark numbers are not widely published, the platform is engineered for continuous operation and can achieve substantial performance gains through recommended practices, such as database tuning and selective data retention. Regular updates also contribute to ongoing performance enhancements and stability.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback highlights Rapid7 InsightVM as a powerful and comprehensive vulnerability management solution, particularly valued for its ability to provide continuous visibility and intelligent risk prioritization.

• Strengths:
  • Comprehensive Visibility: Offers continuous monitoring and dynamic asset discovery across local, remote, cloud, containerized, and virtual infrastructure.
  • Intelligent Prioritization: The AI-driven Active Risk Score effectively prioritizes vulnerabilities based on real-world threat context, helping teams focus on the most critical issues.
  • Streamlined Remediation: Facilitates collaboration between security and IT teams with automated workflows, integrated remediation projects, and clear guidance, accelerating risk reduction.
  • Ease of Use & Deployment: Many users find it easy to deploy and use, with a rapid time-to-value.
  • Customizable Reporting & Dashboards: Provides live, customizable dashboards and reporting capabilities for effective risk communication and progress tracking.
  • Integration Capabilities: Integrates well with existing security tools (SIEM, ticketing, patch management) and offers a RESTful API for custom integrations.
• Weaknesses:
  • Complexity of Setup: Initial deployment and configuration can be challenging, often requiring significant administrative effort and technical expertise.
  • Cost: Perceived as relatively expensive compared to some competitors, especially when considering additional costs for web-app and cloud assessment modules.
  • Data Retention Management: Default settings can lead to excessive disk usage if not actively managed, as it retains all data indefinitely.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Organizations requiring continuous, real-time vulnerability management across dynamic and hybrid IT environments.
  • Teams seeking to prioritize remediation efforts effectively using threat-aware risk scoring.
  • Enterprises looking for a scalable solution with comprehensive reporting and integration capabilities to streamline security operations.

Summary

Rapid7 InsightVM stands as a robust and comprehensive enterprise asset management solution focused on vulnerability management. It provides unparalleled visibility into an organization's attack surface through a combination of agent-based and agentless scanning, covering diverse environments including on-premises, cloud, virtual, and containerized assets. A core strength lies in its AI-driven Active Risk Score, which intelligently prioritizes vulnerabilities by incorporating real-world threat context and business impact, enabling security teams to focus on the most critical risks. The platform excels in streamlining remediation efforts through automated workflows, integrated project management, and seamless integration with existing IT and security tools via its extensive RESTful API.

Key advantages include its continuous monitoring capabilities, dynamic asset discovery, customizable dashboards, and integrated threat intelligence, all contributing to a proactive security posture. Users appreciate its ability to provide actionable insights and foster collaboration between security and IT teams, leading to efficient risk reduction. However, potential challenges include the initial complexity of deployment, which may require significant technical expertise, and a cost structure that can be higher than some alternatives, particularly when factoring in specialized modules for web application and cloud security assessments. Performance is generally strong and scalable, provided the underlying infrastructure meets the specified requirements and configurations are optimized.

Overall, Rapid7 InsightVM is an excellent choice for organizations seeking a powerful, scalable, and integrated vulnerability management platform that offers deep insights, intelligent prioritization, and effective remediation capabilities. It is particularly well-suited for enterprises navigating complex, hybrid IT landscapes and those committed to an active, analytics-driven approach to cybersecurity.

Information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.