runZero
runZero discovers and inventories devices and other assets across IT environments, helping teams understand what's connected and identify potential security exposures.
Why it caught my attention
Asset inventories are often incomplete, particularly where unmanaged devices, operational technology and unfamiliar equipment share a network. runZero is interesting because it can identify assets through network discovery rather than relying entirely on installed agents, potentially revealing systems that conventional inventory processes have missed.
What problem does this actually solve?
runZero could be worth considering if you recognise any of these challenges.
Unknown devices on the network
Unmanaged or forgotten equipment can remain invisible until discovery reveals what's connected and where.
Asset records become outdated
Devices change frequently, leaving manually maintained inventories incomplete; repeated discovery helps identify additions and changes.
Exposed services go unnoticed
Unexpected network services and potential exposures can be identified for investigation before they become larger security concerns.
Different tools show different assets
Fragmented inventory sources make it difficult to establish a consistent picture of devices across environments.
Is this a good fit for you?
A quick way to see if runZero is relevant for your situation.
- You need to discover unmanaged or previously unknown network devices.
- Your asset inventory is incomplete or difficult to keep current.
- You manage environments containing IT, IoT or operational technology equipment.
- You want to investigate exposed services across discovered assets.
- You need to combine network discovery with existing asset information.
- You only manage a few well-documented devices on a simple network.
- You primarily need endpoint protection, rather than asset discovery and exposure visibility.
How does it work?
In practice, the workflow looks something like this:
Define the networks and environments to investigate, then configure suitable discovery methods and any required explorers or integrations.
Use supported active and passive discovery methods to identify devices, services and characteristics without requiring an agent on every endpoint.
Review discovered assets and enrich the inventory with information from supported integrations and other available data sources.
Examine discovered services, asset characteristics and available exposure findings to identify devices requiring closer attention.
Schedule further discovery, monitor inventory changes and use supported integrations or exports to inform existing operational workflows.
What else should I know?
A few important things to be aware of before you investigate further.
Discovery methods affect coverage
Active scanning, passive monitoring and integrations reveal different assets; complete coverage depends on network access and configuration.
Network placement matters
Discovery across segmented networks may require additional explorers, suitable routing or integrations to reach otherwise isolated environments.
Exposure findings need interpretation
Discovered services and potential risks require investigation; asset discovery does not replace comprehensive vulnerability assessment or remediation.
Editions and licensing differ
Check current asset limits, discovery capabilities, deployment options and integration availability across free and commercial offerings.
Think runZero could fit your environment?
Visit the runZero website to find out more, request a demo or speak to their team.
Something you'd like to know about runZero?
Is there something I haven't covered in my research? Send me your question and I'll look into it and reply personally by email.