Network enumeration: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 00:59, 1 April 2013

Revision as of 01:01, 1 April 2013

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'''Network enumeratingenumeration''' is a computing activity in which user names,[[username]]s and info on groups, shares, and services of [[computer network|networked computers]] are retrieved. It should not be confused with [[network mapping]], which only retrieves information about which [[server (computing)|servers]] are connected to a specific network and what [[operating system]] is run on them.

== Software ==

A '''network enumerator''' or '''network scanner''' is a [[computer program]] used to retrieve user names, and info on groups, shares and services of networked computers. This type of program scans [[Computer network|network]]snetworks for vulnerabilities in the security of that network. If there is a vulnerability with the security of the network, it will send a report back to a [[Hackerhacker (computer security)|hacker]] who may use this info to exploit that network glitch to gain entry to the network or for other malicious activities. Ethical hackers often also use the information to remove the glitches and strengthen their network.

Malicious (or "[[Black hat hacking|black-hat]]") hackers can, on entry of the network, get to security sensitive information or corrupt the network making it useless. If this network belonged to a company which used this network on a regular basis, the company would lose the function to send information internally to other departments.

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Network enumerators are often used by [[script kiddies]] for ease of use, as well as by more experienced hackers in cooperation with other programs/manual lookups. Also, [[whois]] queries, [[zone transfer]]s, [[ping sweep]]s and [[traceroute]] can be performed. <ref>[http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=25916 Network enumerating]</ref>

==Popular Openopen Sourcesource network enumerators==

* [[Nmap]]

* [[Nessus (software)|Nessus]]