Scanning
What is Scanning?
Scanning is the second phase of ethical hacking where the attacker identifies live hosts, open ports, and services running on the target systems. This phase involves more active engagement with the target network to discover vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
Types of Scanning
Network Scanning
Identifying live hosts, IP addresses, and network topology using tools like Nmap or Angry IP Scanner.
Port Scanning
Discovering open ports and services running on target systems to identify potential entry points.
Vulnerability Scanning
Automated scanning to identify known vulnerabilities in systems and applications.
Common Techniques
- Ping sweeps to identify live hosts
- TCP/UDP port scanning
- OS fingerprinting
- Banner grabbing
- Vulnerability assessment
- Network mapping
Popular Tools
Nmap
The most powerful network scanning tool for discovering hosts and services.
Nessus
Comprehensive vulnerability scanner for identifying security issues.
OpenVAS
Open-source vulnerability scanning and management system.
Netcat
Swiss army knife for TCP/IP networking, useful for port scanning and banner grabbing.
Ethical Considerations
Scanning activities can be intrusive and may trigger security alerts. Always obtain proper authorization before conducting any scanning activities. Be mindful of scanning frequency and intensity to avoid causing denial of service on target systems.