Is this legal? Do I need permission?

AttackVector performs passive security scanning only — we analyze publicly available information like HTTP headers, SSL certificates, and technology fingerprints. We do NOT perform active exploitation. However, you should only scan websites you own or have explicit authorization to test.

How does AttackVector compare to traditional pentesting?

Traditional penetration tests cost $5,000–$50,000+ and take weeks. AttackVector provides instant AI-powered scanning starting at $79/mo. While it doesn't replace a full manual pentest for compliance purposes, it catches 80% of common vulnerabilities at 1% of the cost.

What does the free tier include?

The free scan includes SSL/TLS certificate analysis, HTTP security headers audit, technology stack detection, your top 3 vulnerabilities, and an overall security grade (A-F). Upgrade to Pro to unlock all vulnerabilities, CVE matching, and AI remediation guides.

How do the AI agents work?

AttackVector uses a pipeline of specialized AI agents: Recon Agent discovers endpoints, Fingerprint Agent detects your tech stack, Scanner Agent checks for misconfigurations, CVE Matcher cross-references the NVD database, and Report Writer generates human-readable findings with fix instructions.

How often should I scan my site?

We recommend scanning after every deployment and at least weekly. Pro subscribers get continuous monitoring with weekly automatic re-scans. New CVEs are published daily, so regular scanning is essential.

Can AttackVector scan internal/private networks?

No. For security reasons, AttackVector only scans publicly accessible URLs. We block requests to private IP ranges (localhost, 10.x.x.x, 192.168.x.x, etc.).

What is automated penetration testing?

Automated penetration testing uses AI and software tools to simulate cyberattacks on your systems, identifying vulnerabilities without requiring a human security consultant. AttackVector automates recon, fingerprinting, vulnerability scanning, CVE matching, and report generation — delivering results in seconds instead of weeks.

How much does a penetration test cost?

Traditional manual penetration tests cost between $5,000 and $50,000+ per engagement. AttackVector provides AI-powered pentesting starting with a free tier, with Pro plans at $79/mo and Premium at $199/mo — making enterprise-grade security accessible to startups and small businesses.

What vulnerabilities does AttackVector detect?

AttackVector detects OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), CSRF, broken authentication, security misconfigurations, sensitive data exposure, and more. Pro and Premium plans add CVE matching against the National Vulnerability Database, DNS security auditing, API security testing, and frontend pentesting.

Is AI pentesting as good as manual penetration testing?

AI pentesting catches 80% of common vulnerabilities instantly and is ideal for continuous monitoring. Manual pentesting is still recommended for compliance audits (PCI DSS, SOC 2) and testing complex business logic. AttackVector is best used as a complement — providing continuous coverage between annual manual pentests.

What is a CVE and how does CVE scanning work?

CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) is a standardized system for identifying known security vulnerabilities. AttackVector detects your technology stack (frameworks, libraries, servers) and cross-references them against the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) with 50,000+ CVE entries to find known exploits affecting your software versions.

How do I check if my website is secure?

Enter your website URL at attackvector.tech/scan to get a free instant security assessment. You'll receive a security grade (A-F), SSL/TLS analysis, HTTP security headers audit, technology detection, and your top vulnerabilities — all in seconds with no signup required.

What is OWASP Top 10 and why does it matter?

The OWASP Top 10 is the industry standard list of the most critical web application security risks, published by the Open Worldwide Application Security Project. It includes injection attacks, broken authentication, sensitive data exposure, XML external entities, broken access control, security misconfigurations, XSS, insecure deserialization, using components with known vulnerabilities, and insufficient logging. AttackVector scans for all 10 categories.

Does AttackVector test APIs for vulnerabilities?

Yes. Pro and Premium plans include API discovery and API security testing. AttackVector automatically discovers API endpoints, then tests for SQL injection, command injection, authentication bypass, IDOR, rate limiting issues, CORS misconfigurations, and mass assignment vulnerabilities in your APIs.

What is a DNS security audit?

A DNS security audit examines your domain's DNS configuration for security issues including missing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records (email spoofing protection), DNSSEC validation, zone transfer vulnerabilities, dangling DNS records, and subdomain takeover risks. AttackVector includes comprehensive DNS auditing in Pro and Premium plans.

How does AI-powered vulnerability scanning work?

AttackVector deploys multiple specialized AI agents in parallel: a Recon Agent maps your attack surface, a Fingerprint Agent identifies your technology stack, a Scanner Agent tests for misconfigurations and vulnerabilities, a CVE Matcher finds known exploits in your software, and a Report Agent generates human-readable findings with step-by-step remediation guides.

What Is SSL/TLS and How to Know If Your Website Is Properly Secured

The Foundation of SSL/TLS Security

Imagine a bank with no doors or security cameras—risky, right? That’s what it’s like to run a website without SSL/TLS encryption. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and its successor, TLS (Transport Layer Security), encrypt data transmitted over the internet, ensuring confidentiality and integrity. They form the bedrock of secure online communication.

The Handshake Explained

The SSL/TLS handshake is akin to a secret handshake at a speakeasy, but with more complexity. When a user connects to a website, the client and server exchange cryptographic keys to verify each other’s authenticity. This involves several steps:

1Client Hello: The client sends a request to the server, including the SSL/TLS version and cipher suites it supports.
2Server Hello: The server responds with its SSL/TLS version, cipher suite, and its digital certificate.
3Certificate Verification: The client verifies the server’s certificate against trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs).
4Key Exchange: The client and server agree on session keys, using one of several cryptographic methods.
5Secure Connection Established: All further communication is encrypted.

Real-World Breach: Equifax

Consider the Equifax breach of 2017. A missing SSL/TLS patch on a consumer dispute portal allowed attackers to siphon personal data of 147 million people. This breach highlighted that even a single weak link can lead to disaster. Equifax’s failure to secure its SSL/TLS setup underscored the critical need for regular maintenance and audits.

Common Misconfigurations and How to Avoid Them

Expired Certificates: An expired SSL certificate screams 'unprofessional.' It's like showing up to a date in pajamas. Set reminders and automate renewals to avoid this.

Weak Ciphers: Using outdated ciphers is akin to securing your house with a paperclip. Use strong, modern ciphers. Tools like nmap can help you check your site's cipher strength.

Mixed Content: This occurs when a secure page loads insecure resources. It’s like having a vault door with a window next to it. Ensure all elements are delivered over HTTPS.

How to Test Your SSL/TLS Setup

Here’s how to test:

1Use an SSL Checker Tool: Websites like Qualys SSL Labs can instantly audit your site for SSL/TLS configuration issues.
2Command Line Tools: Use openssl to manually test your server’s SSL/TLS version and cipher suite:

openssl s_client -connect yourwebsite.com:443

1Automate with AttackVector: Our platform performs comprehensive SSL audits, checking protocol versions, issuer validity, expiry, and cipher strength.

What Not to Do: The DigiNotar Debacle

Remember DigiNotar? In 2011, this Dutch CA was hacked, leading to the issuance of fraudulent certificates. Their mistake? Poor internal controls and failure to detect intrusions promptly. Always monitor your SSL/TLS infrastructure with tools like nuclei to catch anomalies early.

Why SSL/TLS Matters More Than Ever

According to Verizon's DBIR, 32% of breaches involve phishing attacks that SSL/TLS could mitigate. OWASP lists broken authentication as a top threat, highlighting the importance of secure channels. SSL/TLS isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a necessity.

Conclusion

Securing your website with SSL/TLS is non-negotiable. It’s the digital equivalent of locking your house and installing an alarm system. By following the steps outlined here and leveraging tools like AttackVector, you can ensure your website remains a fortress against cyber threats.