Docs / Running Scans

Running Scans

Configure and launch security scans against your targets

Starting a scan

  1. Click New Scan in the sidebar
  2. Choose a scan type (see below)
  3. Pick a discovery preset
  4. Select one or more targets, either from your existing targets or enter custom ones
  5. Click Start Scan

Luna will queue your scan and begin processing. You can monitor progress from the Scans page.

Note: You can only run one scan at a time per set of targets. If a scan is already in progress for the same targets, you'll need to wait for it to complete first.

Scan types

Quick Scan

A fast scan that checks for the most common and critical vulnerabilities. Best for a rapid overview when you need results quickly.

Comprehensive Scan

A thorough scan that covers a wide range of vulnerability checks. This takes longer but gives you the most complete picture of your security posture. Recommended for regular assessments.

CVE-Only Scan

Focuses specifically on known CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures). Useful when you want to check whether your targets are affected by specific published vulnerabilities.

Discovery options

Discovery presets control what Luna looks for beyond vulnerabilities:

Full Discovery

Runs port scanning and SSL/TLS analysis alongside the vulnerability scan. Gives you a complete view of exposed services and certificate status.

Vulnerability Scan Only

Skips discovery and goes straight to vulnerability checks. Faster, but you won't get port or SSL data.

Custom

Pick and choose which discovery features to enable: port scanning, SSL analysis, or both. Also lets you set the port scan depth.

Port scan depth

Port scanning checks the top 1,000 most common ports, covering the vast majority of services you'd expect to find on internet-facing infrastructure.

Deep scan mode

Deep scan runs additional, more intensive checks that can uncover issues a standard scan might miss. This significantly increases scan time but provides the most thorough results. Available on all paid plans.

Viewing scan results

Once a scan completes, you can view its results from the Scans page:

  1. Click on a completed scan to expand it
  2. Use the tabs to switch between Vulnerabilities and Discovery

Each vulnerability shows its severity, a description, and remediation guidance. The Discovery tab combines all discovery data in one view: open ports and running services, and SSL/TLS certificate details and protocol versions.

You can also export the raw data for any scan using the export button.

Scheduled scans

Automate your scanning by setting up recurring schedules:

  1. Go to Scheduled Scans in the sidebar
  2. Click Create Schedule
  3. Give it a name and select your targets
  4. Choose a scan type and discovery preset
  5. Set the frequency: hourly, every few hours, daily, weekly, monthly, or a custom cron expression
  6. Click Create Schedule

Scheduled scans appear as cards showing the targets, frequency, last run status, and the next scheduled run time. You can enable, disable, edit, or delete them at any time.

Tip: Setting up a weekly comprehensive scan is a good way to maintain continuous visibility over your security posture without manual effort.
Next guide Vulnerabilities & Reports