If for whatever reason you need to run a port scan tool on someone else’s network, ensure you have written permission to do so. Using a port scanner tool on a network you own is perfectly fine. Performing a network security audit with a trusted port scanner tool can help detect some of the stealthiest types of malware and attacks.

These ports are essentially exploited as backdoors to exfiltrate stolen data and push out commands to existing malware on the network. Ports can be left open unintentionally, or forced open by rootkits and other advanced types of malware. Port scanner tools give admins a chance to shut down unused ports that are open and terminate suspicious connections.

As an administrator, we can run these tools first to defend from potential attacks.

With that information, attackers will attempt to use known exploits over those ports to gain unauthorized access.Ĭhecking for unnecessary open ports is usually one of the first steps an attacker will do when trying to find ways into your network. These details combined with manufacturer information can help give context as to what a device’s purpose is on the network. What are port scanner tools used for?įrom network administrators, security experts, and even hackers all port scanners help detect what ports are open, closed, or filtered on a device that is on a network. In this article, we’ll review the six best port scanner tools you can use to help discover vulnerabilities, and better defend your network. As a network administrator, do you really know what’s happening on your network? Using a port scanning tool can help identify potential vulnerabilities as well as paint a detailed picture as to what devices are open to certain types of communication.

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