How to use Masscan for high-speed port scanning

<p>Port scanners are important tools that enable administrators and security personnel — and malicious actors — to identify open and listening services on a network and, therefore, determine potential entry points into computers.</p>
<div class=”ad-wrapper ad-embedded”>
<div id=”halfpage” class=”ad ad-hp”>
<script>GPT.display(‘halfpage’)</script>
</div>
<div id=”mu-1″ class=”ad ad-mu”>
<script>GPT.display(‘mu-1’)</script>
</div>
</div>
<p>One popular open source is Masscan. Unlike Nmap, arguably the most popular port scanner, Masscan is a fast scanner that identifies open ports but provides little additional information, making it optimal for large networks, including the internet.</p>
<p>Let’s look at how to use Masscan for penetration testing, network auditing and general troubleshooting.</p>
<section class=”section main-article-chapter” data-menu-title=”The importance of port scanning”>
<h2 class=”section-title”><i class=”icon” data-icon=”1″></i>The importance of port scanning</h2>
<p><a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/answer/What-is-a-port-scan-attack”>Port scanning</a> is a crucial part of system administration and security. Using port scanners enables IT professionals to determine the following:</p>
<ul class=”default-list”>
<li>Open ports and available services.</li>
<li>Potential vulnerabilities related to misconfigurations or outdated policies.</li>
<li>Network device and asset inventories.</li>
<li>Firewall settings.</li>
<li>Changes to network configurations.</li>
</ul>
<p>Masscan is among several port scanners available, including <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/tip/How-to-use-Nmap-to-scan-a-network-for-documentation”>Nmap</a>, which can be more detailed, complex and slower than some use cases require, and <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchNetworking/tutorial/Use-Angry-IP-Scanner-to-audit-the-network”>Angry IP Scanner</a>, a fast, user-friendly port scanner tailored to identify open ports and live hosts on smaller networks.</p>
<p>Masscan’s speed on large networks makes it an attractive option for admins who want a quick and basic scan of available hosts and open ports. It avoids more in-depth analysi

[…]
Content was cut in order to protect the source.Please visit the source for the rest of the article.