Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA)

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (popularly called by its short name MBSA) is a free tool, designed to help small and medium-sized organizations to assess and beef up the security of their networks. It analyzes the used computer defense tools, and if they are found to be out-of-date, it scans for security updates, and when possible hotfixes are offered.

• Command-line tool
• Supports local and remote scans
• Can scan multiple instances of SQL servers
• Windows Embedded support
• Graphical user interface

All of this is done through very streamlined and easy to access interface, which enables even inexperienced users and people with small computer technical knowledge to easily get informed about the quality of their networks and software vulnerabilities. Those can include Windows administrative vulnerabilities, database vulnerabilities, state of security updates, weak passwords, and more.

MBSA's latest version of Microsoft’s free security app and vulnerability assessment scan tool for administrators, security auditors, and IT professionals. It builds on the previous version that supports Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 and corrects minor issues reported by customers.

Created directly by Microsoft and used by hundreds of thousand businesses and private users, Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer manages to singlehandedly create sold base upon your software security can be reinforced. After identifying missing security updates and common security misconfigurations, all Windows users are recommended to install some other form of trusted internet security software that will manage your real-time protection.

Key Features

Security Scanning: It scans for missing security updates, service packs, and patches on Windows operating systems.

Vulnerability Assessment: It identifies common security vulnerabilities in Windows components, including weak passwords, unnecessary services, and other potential security risks.

Best Practice Recommendations: The tool offers recommendations based on Microsoft's best security practices, helping users implement necessary security improvements.

Report Generation: It generates detailed reports that summarize scan results, making it easier to understand and prioritize security issues.

Command-Line Interface: Advanced users can utilize MBSA's command-line interface for scripting and automation.

User Interface

MBSA's user interface is intuitive and user-friendly. The main dashboard provides easy access to the scanning options, and the report generation process is straightforward. The tool's simplicity ensures that both novice and experienced users can navigate it comfortably.

Installation and Setup

Installing the program is a hassle-free process. Users can download the installer directly from the Microsoft website or FileHorse. During installation, you can choose to install the graphical user interface (GUI) or the command-line version, depending on your preferences. Once installed, it guides you through the initial setup, helping you configure scan options and update repositories.

How to Use

Launch the Tool: After installation, open the app from the Start menu or by running the command-line version.

Select a Scan: Choose between a local scan (for a single computer) or a remote scan (for multiple computers).

Specify Target Computers: Provide the names or IP addresses of the computers you want to scan.

Configure Scanning Options: Customize the scan options, including checking for security updates, vulnerabilities, or both.

Start the Scan: Initiate the scanning process and wait for the software to analyze the selected computers.

Review Scan Results: Once the scan is complete, review the generated reports to identify security issues and recommended actions.

FAQ

Is MBSA compatible with all Windows versions?
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) is primarily designed for Windows operating systems. It supports Windows Server editions, Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and older versions. However, it may not fully support the latest Windows versions at the time of release.

Is MBSA suitable for large-scale network scanning?
While MBSA can perform remote scans on multiple computers, it may not be the most efficient choice for large-scale network scanning. Organizations with extensive networks may prefer more robust solutions.

How often should I run MBSA scans?
Regular scans are essential for maintaining system security. It's recommended to run the app scans on a weekly or monthly basis to stay updated on security vulnerabilities.

Can MBSA fix security issues automatically?
No, MBSA is a scanning and reporting tool. It identifies security issues and provides recommendations, but it does not have the capability to fix issues automatically. Users must manually implement the suggested fixes.

Is MBSA still actively supported and updated by Microsoft?
This product is not developed actively anymore.

Alternatives

Nessus: A popular commercial vulnerability scanner known for its extensive features and capabilities.

Tenable.io: A cloud-based vulnerability management platform with advanced scanning and reporting capabilities.

System Requirements

• A compatible Windows operating system (Windows Server or Windows client edition).
• Sufficient disk space for storing scan reports.
• Access to Microsoft Update or a WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) server for updating vulnerability databases.

PROS

Free: The program is available at no cost, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

User-Friendly: Its intuitive user interface and step-by-step guidance make it easy for both beginners and experts.

Report Generation: Detailed reports help users understand security issues and prioritize necessary actions.

Integration: It can be integrated with other Microsoft security tools and solutions.

CONS

Retirement Plans: This product is not developed actively anymore.

Limited to Windows: It primarily focuses on Windows systems, limiting its usefulness for mixed environments.

Basic Features: While it covers essential security aspects, it lacks some of the advanced features found in commercial alternatives.

Conclusion

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) is a valuable tool for assessing and improving the security of Windows-based systems. Its user-friendly interface, free availability, and ability to provide detailed security reports make it a useful addition to the toolkit of individuals and small to medium-sized organizations.

However, it's important to stay informed about Microsoft's plans for MBSA's future, as they may impact its suitability for long-term use. For those seeking more advanced features or broader platform support, exploring commercial alternatives may be a wise choice. Ultimately, the choice of security assessment tools should align with your specific needs and the complexity of your IT environment.