Port Scanning
Port scanning is a network reconnaissance technique used to discover open ports and services on a target system or network. It involves sending packets to specific ports and analyzing responses to determine which ports are listening, closed, or filtered, helping identify potential entry points or vulnerabilities. This is commonly performed using tools like Nmap, Masscan, or built-in utilities like netstat or telnet.
Developers should learn port scanning for security testing, network diagnostics, and compliance auditing, such as during penetration testing to assess system exposure or troubleshooting connectivity issues in applications. It's essential for roles in cybersecurity, DevOps, and network administration to ensure systems are properly configured and secure against unauthorized access.