Port Scanning Definition:
Port Scanning is a technique used to identify open ports and services running on a networked device. By probing each port, Port Scanning reveals which ports are active and listening, providing information that can be used to assess a system's security posture or discover potential vulnerabilities.
What is Port Scanning?
Port Scanning is a common method in network Reconnaissance, often used by security professionals to map an organisation’s network and identify open ports that might be Exploited. It provides insight into the network’s exposure by showing which services are publicly accessible and which could be targeted in an attack.
Why is Port Scanning important?
The purpose of Port Scanning is to gather information about a network, helping security teams identify potential weaknesses or misconfigurations. Attackers also use Port Scanning as an initial step to locate vulnerable services, making it critical for defensive teams to understand and monitor port activity to prevent Exploitation.
How does Port Scanning work?
Port Scanning works by sending requests to a device’s various ports to determine which ones are open, closed, or filtered. Tools like Nmap, Masscan, and Netcat allow users to scan for open ports, identify services, and even discover the version of software running on those ports. Each port status can reveal information about the device’s configuration and security level.
Port Scanning Examples:
Examples of Port Scanning techniques include TCP Connect Scanning, which completes the TCP handshake to check open ports, and SYN Scanning, which sends SYN packets to detect open ports without completing the connection. Security teams often use these scans to assess network exposure, while attackers may use them to discover entry points.
Port Scanning Issues:
Port Scanning can raise security concerns, as it may signal potential attacks if unauthorised parties conduct the scans. Network administrators often monitor for Port Scanning activity, and Firewalls can be configured to limit responses to scans. While useful, excessive scanning can overload network resources, and unauthorised scanning may be illegal in certain regions.
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