Network Scanning

Network scanning is a proactive cybersecurity technique that involves exploring a computer network to identify active devices, open ports, and vulnerabilities. It helps assess the security posture of a system, allowing preemptive measures against potential cyber threats.

Here are the key features of network scanning:

  1. Discovery of Devices: It helps identify devices connected to a network. It’s like creating a map of all the houses on a street.
  2. Open Ports Identification: Just like windows and doors have different locks, computers have different ports. Scanning helps find which ports are open or closed, potentially revealing vulnerabilities.
  3. Service Version Detection: It’s like knowing not just that a house has a door, but that it’s a red door with a golden knob. Scanning can reveal the specific software versions running on a device.
  4. OS Fingerprinting: It is able to guess what kind of people live in a house by the exterior. OS fingerprinting does something similar by analyzing network responses to guess the operating system.
  5. Vulnerability Assessment: Itis like checking if the windows and doors of a house are locked or can be easily opened. Scanning helps identify potential weaknesses in a system.
  6. Mapping Network Topology: It’s like creating a blueprint for the neighborhood. Scanning can reveal how devices are connected, helping to understand the overall structure of a network.
  7. Security Audits: Network scanning is a crucial tool in security audits. It helps organizations understand their vulnerabilities and take steps to strengthen their digital defenses.