This article provides a complete, practical walkthrough of the Wait Slack Automate Webhook n8n agent. It connects HTTP Request, Webhook across approximately 1 node(s). Expect a Intermediate setup in 15-45 minutes. One‑time purchase: €29.

What This Agent Does

This agent orchestrates a reliable automation between HTTP Request, Webhook, handling triggers, data enrichment, and delivery with guardrails for errors and rate limits.

It streamlines multi‑step processes that would otherwise require manual exports, spreadsheet cleanup, and repeated API requests. By centralizing logic in n8n, it reduces context switching, lowers error rates, and ensures consistent results across teams.

Typical outcomes include faster lead handoffs, automated notifications, accurate data synchronization, and better visibility via execution logs and optional Slack/Email alerts.

How It Works

The workflow uses standard n8n building blocks like Webhook or Schedule triggers, HTTP Request for API calls, and control nodes (IF, Merge, Set) to validate inputs, branch on conditions, and format outputs. Retries and timeouts improve resilience, while credentials keep secrets safe.

Third‑Party Integrations

• HTTP Request
• Webhook

Import and Use in n8n

1. Open n8n and create a new workflow or collection.
2. Choose Import from File or Paste JSON.
3. Paste the JSON below, then click Import.
4. Show n8n JSON

   Title:  
   Automating Vulnerability Scans with n8n and Qualys: A No-Code Security Workflow
   
   Meta Description:  
   Discover how to streamline your vulnerability scanning process using n8n and Qualys. This no-code automation integrates Slack for user interaction, loops scan status checks, and delivers real-time results.
   
   Keywords:  
   n8n automation, Qualys API, vulnerability scanning, Slack integration, security automation, no-code workflow, XML to JSON, cybersecurity monitoring, DevSecOps workflow
   
   Third-Party APIs Used:
   
   1. Qualys API – for launching and monitoring vulnerability scans.
   2. Slack API – for sending messages, updates, and notifications to users.
   
   —
   
   Article:
   
   In a modern DevSecOps environment, efficient vulnerability scanning is key to identifying and mitigating risks proactively. However, the process often requires manual triggers and constant monitoring. With the help of n8n — a powerful no-code automation platform — teams can now fully automate vulnerability scans using the Qualys API and deliver real-time updates via Slack.
   
   This article explores a comprehensive n8n workflow purpose-built to trigger scans, monitor their completion status, and notify users seamlessly. Here’s how it works:
   
   Starting a Scan from Slack
   
   The workflow begins with a parent process triggered via a Slack shortcut. Users fill out a modal form that specifies scan parameters such as:
   
   - Asset Group
   - Scan Title
   - Option Profile
   - Platform URL
   
   These fields are passed into the core scanning workflow, where n8n’s “Execute Workflow Trigger” node initiates the scan setup.
   
   Initiate Qualys Vulnerability Scan
   
   Once initiated, the “Start VM Scan in Qualys” node uses the Qualys API to launch a vulnerability scan. It sends a POST request with form-data parameters (e.g., scan title, asset group, and options) to the Qualys endpoint:
   
   https://qualysapi.qg3.apps.qualys.com/api/2.0/fo/scan/
   
   Qualys responds in XML format, which n8n effortlessly converts into JSON using the “Convert XML to JSON” node, enabling further logic and conditional workflows based on the structured data.
   
   Slack-Based Communication for Transparency
   
   Transparency is a crucial element of user experience. The workflow posts a receipt message to a predefined Slack channel stating:  
   “Vulnerability Scan request received, processing now.”
   
   To maintain thread continuity, the message timestamp is saved for future updates, such as scan status and results.
   
   Wait Mechanism: Monitoring Scan Completion
   
   Using a powerful loop and conditional logic, the workflow continues to check the scan’s status at 5-minute intervals. This is implemented using the “Wait”, “Fetch Scan Results”, and “Check if Scan Finished” nodes.
   
   Here’s how it works:
   
   1. Every 5 minutes, the workflow queries the scan status using Qualys’s GET endpoint:
   https://qualysapi.qg3.apps.qualys.com/api/2.0/fo/scan/vm/summary
   
   2. The XML response is again converted to JSON for processing.
   
   3. If the scan is not yet finished, the loop triggers again. If the scan status equals “FINISHED”, the workflow exits the loop and proceeds.
   
   This method prevents excessive polling and saves resources while ensuring timely updates.
   
   Final Reporting to Slack
   
   When the scan finishes, the workflow takes the following key actions:
   
   - Deletes the original “receipt” Slack message to prompt a Slack notification.
   - Posts a detailed summary that includes:
     - Scan Title and User
     - Scheduled Time & Duration
     - Option Profile and Asset Group
     - Number of Hosts Scanned
     - Confirmed & Potential Vulnerabilities (by severity)
     - IG (Information Gathered) statistics
   - Provides a direct button to view the full report in Qualys.
   
   The message design uses Slack’s block kit to present cleanly structured and visually informative summaries.
   
   Why This Workflow Matters
   
   This n8n automation is a prime example of how no-code tools can enhance cybersecurity operations:
   
   - Saves manual overhead from triggering and monitoring scans.
   - Ensures notifications are timely and actionable.
   - Converts hard-to-read XML into developer- and security-analyst-friendly JSON.
   - Enhances incident response by providing immediate Slack updates.
   
   With customizations possible at every step, organizations can tailor this automation to scan different targets, run on schedules, or include additional logic like automatic remediation workflows or ticket creation.
   
   —
   
   In Summary
   
   By leveraging n8n with Qualys and Slack, organizations can implement a powerful vulnerability management pipeline with zero lines of code. This integration not only automates tedious security tasks but also creates a transparent and responsive communication loop — exactly what modern security workflows require.
   
   Whether you're building a scalable DevSecOps pipeline or just looking to lighten the security team's load, this workflow demonstrates the power behind smart automation.
   
   —
   
   Further Reading & Resources:
   
   - Qualys API Documentation:  
     https://qualysguard.qg2.apps.qualys.com/qwebhelp/fo_portal/api_doc/scans/
   
   - Qualys Platform Identification Guide:  
     https://www.qualys.com/platform-identification/
   
   - n8n.io Automation Templates:  
     https://n8n.io/workflows/

5. Set credentials for each API node (keys, OAuth) in Credentials.
6. Run a test via Execute Workflow. Inspect Run Data, then adjust parameters.
7. Enable the workflow to run on schedule, webhook, or triggers as configured.

Tips: keep secrets in credentials, add retries and timeouts on HTTP nodes, implement error notifications, and paginate large API fetches.

Validation: use IF/Code nodes to sanitize inputs and guard against empty payloads.

Why Automate This with AI Agents

AI‑assisted automations offload repetitive, error‑prone tasks to a predictable workflow. Instead of manual copy‑paste and ad‑hoc scripts, your team gets a governed pipeline with versioned state, auditability, and observable runs.

n8n’s node graph makes data flow transparent while AI‑powered enrichment (classification, extraction, summarization) boosts throughput and consistency. Teams reclaim time, reduce operational costs, and standardize best practices without sacrificing flexibility.

Compared to one‑off integrations, an AI agent is easier to extend: swap APIs, add filters, or bolt on notifications without rewriting everything. You get reliability, control, and a faster path from idea to production.

Best Practices

• Credentials: restrict scopes and rotate tokens regularly.
• Resilience: configure retries, timeouts, and backoff for API nodes.
• Data Quality: validate inputs; normalize fields early to reduce downstream branching.
• Performance: batch records and paginate for large datasets.
• Observability: add failure alerts (Email/Slack) and persistent logs for auditing.
• Security: avoid sensitive data in logs; use environment variables and n8n credentials.

FAQs

Can I swap integrations later? Yes. Replace or add nodes and re‑map fields without rebuilding the whole flow.

How do I monitor failures? Use Execution logs and add notifications on the Error Trigger path.

Does it scale? Use queues, batching, and sub‑workflows to split responsibilities and control load.

Is my data safe? Keep secrets in Credentials, restrict token scopes, and review access logs.