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BackWhat is Agent-Based Scanning?
Agent-based scanning is a security assessment approach in which a lightweight software agent is installed directly on an endpoint to collect device information and perform local security analysis. Unlike traditional network-based scanning methods, agent-based scanning allows organizations to gather telemetry from devices even when they operate outside the corporate network.
How does Agent-Based Scanning Work?
Agent-based scanning shifts much of the data collection process from a centralized scanner to the endpoint itself. The local agent uses device resources to inspect system configurations, installed software, and other operating system artifacts relevant to security and compliance.
The agent runs at scheduled intervals or in response to predefined triggers, such as device startup or policy updates.
The agent gathers telemetry such as OS version details, patch status, configuration settings, installed applications, and hardware information.
The agent securely transmits collected findings to a centralized management console using encrypted communication protocols defined by the platform.
Administrators review aggregated endpoint data to identify vulnerabilities, compliance gaps, and operational risks across managed devices.
Business and Security Relevance
For modern enterprises, relying only on network-based scans may leave visibility gaps, particularly for remote or mobile devices. This scanning provides detailed endpoint telemetry that supports device posture assessment and broader Zero Trust security strategies.
This approach is especially useful in remote work environments. Because the agent operates locally on the device, it can continue collecting telemetry while the endpoint is outside the corporate network or temporarily offline, synchronizing findings once internet connectivity is restored. This helps organizations maintain endpoint visibility without relying exclusively on traditional network-based scanning methods.
| Feature | Agent-Based Scanning | Agentless Scanning |
| Visibility | Deep access to local device telemetry | Primarily network-visible services and configurations |
| Network Impact | Generally lower external scanning traffic | Higher network probing activity |
| Credential Usage | Reduced reliance on repeated remote credential-based scans | Often requires privileged remote credentials |
| Connectivity | Can continue collecting telemetry while remote or offline | Requires active network connectivity |
How Hexnode Supports Agent-Based Scanning Visibility
Hexnode uses device agents and management frameworks to help administrators monitor and manage enrolled endpoints through centralized policies and device management controls.
- Visibility – Hexnode provides device information and compliance status through enrolled device management and compliance policies.
- Compliance Enforcement – Hexnode compliance policies help administrators identify devices that do not meet defined compliance criteria and take appropriate management actions.
- Risk Reduction – Hexnode compliance policies can evaluate conditions such as encryption status, OS version requirements, and restricted applications on supported devices.
- Access Support – When integrated with Microsoft Entra Conditional Access, Hexnode can share device compliance status so access policies can be enforced based on compliant devices.
FAQs
It depends on the asset type and management requirements. Agent-based scanning is often preferred for laptops and remote endpoints because it can continue collecting telemetry outside the corporate network. Agentless scanning may be more suitable for unmanaged devices, printers, or network-connected infrastructure that cannot support local agents.
Modern endpoint agents are generally designed to minimize performance impact by optimizing scan scheduling and resource usage. However, the impact may vary depending on device hardware, workload, and scan intensity.
Yes. By inspecting local system update information and installed software versions, these tools can help identify missing security updates on supported platforms.