Network Scanning
Network scanning is a cybersecurity technique used to discover and analyze devices, services, and vulnerabilities on a computer network. It involves sending packets to network hosts and analyzing responses to map the network topology, identify open ports, detect running services, and assess security weaknesses. Tools like Nmap, Wireshark, and Nessus automate this process for security auditing, penetration testing, and network management.
Developers should learn network scanning for security-focused roles, such as penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, or DevOps security, to identify and mitigate network vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them. It's essential for tasks like port scanning to check service availability, vulnerability scanning to patch security flaws, and network mapping for infrastructure documentation in cloud or on-premise environments.