> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://pentest-tools.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Scheduled scans
> Automate your security testing with scheduled and recurring scans
Scheduled scans run your security testing automatically at set intervals.
## What can you schedule?
You can schedule two types of scans:
* **Individual tools**: Schedule any [security tool](/docs/tools) to run automatically (e.g., [Network Scanner](/docs/tools/network-scanner), [Website Scanner](/docs/tools/website-scanner), [Port Scanner](/docs/tools/port-scanner))
* **Pentest Robots**: Schedule [Pentest Robots](/docs/capabilities/pentest-robots) to run automated, multi-tool assessments on a recurring basis
## Creating a scheduled scan
Set up your scan with the desired tool, target, and options (scan type, authentication, etc.).
Click the **Schedule** button instead of **Start scan**.
Choose when the first scan should run. The time uses your account's time zone.
Choose how often the scan should repeat.
Enable **Send to Vanta** if you want scan results sent to Vanta for compliance reporting.
## Schedule frequencies
The available frequencies depend on your subscription plan.
| Frequency | Description | Free Plan | Paid Plans |
| ------------- | ------------------------------ | --------- | ---------- |
| **No repeat** | Run once at the scheduled time | ✗ | ✓ |
| **Daily** | Run every day | ✗ | ✓ |
| **Weekly** | Run every week | ✓ | ✓ |
| **Monthly** | Run every month | ✓ | ✓ |
| **Quarterly** | Run every 3 months | ✗ | ✓ |
| **Yearly** | Run every year | ✗ | ✓ |
If you schedule a Monthly or Quarterly scan starting on the last day of a month (e.g., January 31), it will automatically run on the last day of each subsequent month (e.g., February 28/29, March 31).
## Vanta compliance integration
When scheduling a scan, you can optionally send the results to [Vanta](/docs/capabilities/integrations/vanta) for automated compliance monitoring and evidence collection.
**To enable Vanta integration:**
1. First, [configure the Vanta integration](/docs/capabilities/integrations/vanta) in your account settings
2. When scheduling a scan, toggle **Send to Vanta** to **On**
If Vanta is not configured, the "Send to Vanta" toggle will be disabled. You'll need to set up the integration first.
* Automated compliance evidence collection
* Continuous security posture monitoring
* Audit-ready vulnerability reports
* Support for SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and other frameworks
## Managing scheduled scans
Access all your scheduled scans from the **Scheduled Scans** page.
### Viewing scheduled scans
The dashboard shows:
* All scheduled scans and their status (enabled/disabled)
* Next scheduled run time
* Frequency settings
* Target and tool information
* Last execution results
### Actions
| Action | Description |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Enable/Disable** | Toggle a scheduled scan on or off without deleting it |
| **Run now** | Trigger an immediate execution of the scheduled scan |
| **Edit** | Modify the schedule settings (frequency, start time, Vanta toggle) |
| **Delete** | Permanently remove the scheduled scan |
Use **Disable** instead of **Delete** if you want to temporarily pause a scheduled scan. This preserves your configuration for when you're ready to resume.
## Notifications
Scheduled scans work with the [notifications system](/docs/capabilities/notifications). Configure alerts to stay informed about your automated scans:
| Notification | When it triggers |
| ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| **Scan started** | When a scheduled scan begins execution |
| **Scan completed** | When a scheduled scan finishes (with results summary) |
| **New findings** | When new vulnerabilities are discovered |
| **Scan failed** | When a scheduled scan encounters an error |
Set up notifications so you're alerted to new findings even when you're not actively watching.
## Timing considerations
* **Time zone**: Schedules use your account's time zone setting
* **Start time**: The exact time when the scan should begin
* **Duration**: Some scans may run longer than expected, so plan accordingly if scheduling multiple scans
Schedule intensive scans during off-peak hours to minimize impact on production systems and users.
## Best practices
Begin with weekly scans and adjust the frequency based on how often your assets change. Critical or frequently updated assets may benefit from daily scans.
Don't schedule all scans at the same time. Spread them throughout the day or week to avoid resource contention and ensure each scan gets adequate attention.
Scheduled scans are only valuable if you act on the findings. Set up notifications and establish a regular review cadence.
If you need to demonstrate regular security testing for compliance purposes, enable the Vanta integration to automatically collect evidence.
Periodically check that your scheduled scans are completing successfully. Failed scans may indicate connectivity issues, expired credentials, or target changes.
## Related topics
* [Scan types and depth](/docs/core/scans/scan-types-and-depth)
* [Authenticated scanning](/docs/core/scans/authenticated-scanning)
* [Notifications overview](/docs/capabilities/notifications)
* [Vanta integration](/docs/capabilities/integrations/vanta)
* [Plan overview](/docs/account-billing/plans-and-limits/plan-overview)