Port Scanner

What Does Port Scanner Mean?

A port scanner refers to a software application program that scans a server for open ports. It enables auditors and network administrators to examine network security while attackers and hackers use it to identify open ports for exploiting and/or running malicious services on a host computer or server.

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Port scanners are primarily used by network security administrators to scan and monitor network ports on a system, server or IT environment.

Techopedia Explains Port Scanner

Port scanners work by attempting to connect to all or a set of predefined ports on a system that provides network or application access. Depending on the capabilities of the port scanner or scan requirements, a port scanner may have several operation modes including:

  • Vanilla: Probes and scans all ports on a system/server.
  • Strobe: Only selected ports are scanned or probed.
  • UDP: Scans for open UDP ports.
  • Sweep: A similar port number is probed on more than one computer.

Although a port scanner is designed to aid network administrators in strengthening security, if used unethically by hackers it can reveal open ports that could be exploited.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…