Network Scanning - An Important Security Measure

When we think of network and port scanning, we tend to think of hackers breaking into third party systems with a view of doing some damage or at the very least viewing data that they shouldn’t, but, network and port scanning is just as important for security / systems admins who are looking to secure their own networks. Using a good network scanner, systems administrators can scan for all open ports and services in use on their network with a view of patching up holes / open ports that could later pose a vulnerability. Open ports and services running that the systems administrators isn’t aware of is the primary cause of most network hacks. By scanning all open ports on your network, you can easily detect services that might allow an intruder to gain access and you can also secure ports for services to only allow access from designated IP’s or users on your own, internal network. Most good network scanners do not just detect running services and open ports, they also come with a whole host of usage information such as memory / processor usage which is just as important to monitor and maintain as the ports themselves. There are too many exploits out there that make use of memory crashes, it’s always best to be safe!