Cybersecurity project: Sending OpenVAS scan results via secure Gmail SMTP.
This project demonstrates how I configured OpenVAS (inside a Docker container) to send automated vulnerability scan alerts via Gmail SMTP. This setup enhances alerting and response capabilities by providing email notifications when scans are completed or new vulnerabilities are detected.
- OpenVAS (Greenbone Vulnerability Manager)
- Docker
- msmtp (lightweight SMTP client)
- Gmail SMTP Server
- TLS/SSL Encryption
- Automate OpenVAS alert notifications.
- Use secure email delivery with Gmail App Passwords.
- Integrate email into vulnerability management workflows.
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/openvas-email-alerts.git
cd openvas-email-alerts
Run Docker OpenVAS
This project uses Docker Compose to run OpenVAS.
bash
docker compose up -d
The container exposes the Greenbone web interface at http://localhost:9392. Default credentials:
Username: admin
Password: admin123 (change in docker-compose.yml!)
3. Configure msmtp for Gmail Alerts
This project includes a sample email configuration: msmtprc.example
Copy the example file and rename it:
bash
Copy code
cp msmtprc.example ~/.msmtprc
chmod 600 ~/.msmtprc
Edit it and replace:
your-email@gmail.com with your real Gmail address
your-app-password with a Gmail App Password
Test email from terminal:
bash
echo "Test alert from OpenVAS setup." | msmtp recipient@example.com
5. Results
OpenVAS now sends vulnerability scan alerts directly to your inbox.
Improved visibility and real-time awareness of scan activity.
Author
Dahyanna Robinson – Cybersecurity Intern| OpenVAS Dashboard | Email Alert Example |
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