heimdalsecurity.com Open in urlscan Pro
192.124.249.38  Public Scan

Form analysis
5 forms found in the DOM

GET https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/

<form role="search" method="get" class="search-form" action="https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/">
  <input type="search" class="form-control header-nav-search" value="" name="s" placeholder="Search">
  <span class="input-group-btn">
    <button type="button" class="btn btn-search" id="navbar-search-mobile"><span class="glyphicon glyphicon-search" aria-hidden="true"></span></button>
  </span>
</form>

---

GET https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/

<form role="search" method="get" class="search-form" action="https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/">
  <input type="search" class="form-control header-nav-search" value="" name="s" placeholder="Search">
  <span class="input-group-btn">
    <button type="button" class="btn btn-search" id="navbar-search"><span class="glyphicon glyphicon-search" aria-hidden="true"></span></button>
  </span>
</form>

---

Name: mc-embedded-subscribe-form — POST https://heimdalsecurity.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=9588e79f21453dd8e52df4d68&id=31fbbb3dbf

<form id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" class="validate" action="https://heimdalsecurity.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=9588e79f21453dd8e52df4d68&amp;id=31fbbb3dbf" method="post" name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" target="_blank"><input
    id="mce-EMAIL" name="EMAIL" required="" type="email" value="" placeholder="Enter your email address">
  <input id="mce-checkbox" style="display: inline; width: auto; padding: 5px; margin: 20px 5px 5px;" name="checkbox" required="" type="checkbox" value="">
  <label style="display: inline; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px;">I agree to have the submitted data processed by Heimdal Security according to the
    <a style="color: #1169fa; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" href="/license-agreement-and-privacy-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Privacy Policy</a></label><input id="mc-embedded-subscribe" class="button" name="subscribe"
    type="submit" value="Email me with updates">
</form>

---

POST https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/wp-comments-post.php

<form action="https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/wp-comments-post.php" method="post" id="commentform" class="comment-form" novalidate="novalidate">
  <p class="comment-notes"><span id="email-notes">Your email address will not be published.</span> Required fields are marked <span class="required" aria-required="true">*</span></p>
  <div class="form-group"><label for="comment">Comment: *</label><textarea class="form-control" id="comment" name="comment" rows="6" title="Please enter your comment." required="" aria-required="true"></textarea></div><input name="wpml_language_code"
    type="hidden" value="en">
  <div class="form-group col-sm-4 col-left"><label for="author">Name: *</label><input type="text" class="form-control" id="author" name="author" value="" title="Please enter your name." required="" aria-required="true"></div>
  <div class="form-group col-sm-4 col-center"><label for="email">Email: *</label><input type="text" class="form-control" id="email" name="email" value="" title="Please enter a valid email." required="" aria-required="true"></div>
  <p class="comment-form-cookies-consent"><input id="wp-comment-cookies-consent" name="wp-comment-cookies-consent" type="checkbox" value="yes"><label for="wp-comment-cookies-consent">Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time
      I comment.</label></p>
  <p class="form-submit"><input name="submit" type="submit" id="submit" class="submit" value="POST COMMENT"> <input type="hidden" name="comment_post_ID" value="59324" id="comment_post_ID">
    <input type="hidden" name="comment_parent" id="comment_parent" value="0">
  </p>
  <p style="display: none;"><input type="hidden" id="akismet_comment_nonce" name="akismet_comment_nonce" value="a242645ebb"></p>
  <p style="display: none;"><input type="hidden" id="ak_js" name="ak_js" value="113"></p>
</form>

---

GET https://hemdalsecurity.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe/post-json?u=9588e79f21453dd8e52df4d68&id=31fbbb3dbf&c=?

<form id="sidebar-form" class="subscribe validate" method="get" action="https://hemdalsecurity.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe/post-json?u=9588e79f21453dd8e52df4d68&amp;id=31fbbb3dbf&amp;c=?">
  <div class="input-group subscribe">
    <input type="email" name="EMAIL" id="mc-email" class="form-control subscribe-input" placeholder="Your e-mail ...">
    <span class="input-group-btn">
      <button type="button" id="newsletter_subscribe" class="btn btn-subscribe">SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG</button>
    </span>
  </div>
</form>

---

Text Content

Categories
ALL THINGS HEIMDAL ACCESS MANAGEMENT CYBERSECURITY BASICS CYBERSECURITY
INTERVIEWS DATA SECURITY ENDPOINT SECURITY EMAIL SECURITY FINANCIAL PROTECTION
FORENSICS AND THREAT HUNTING INDUSTRY TRENDS INSTITUTIONS NETWORKING PATCH
MANAGEMENT PATCH TUESDAY UPDATES RANSOMWARE REMOTE ACCESS THREAT CENTER
VULNERABILITY
How to
ACCOUNT SECURITY MALWARE REMOVAL MICROSOFT WINDOWS MOBILE SHOPPING SOCIAL
Cybersecurity News
Resources

 * Categories
   * All things Heimdal
   * Access Management
   * Cybersecurity Basics
   * Cybersecurity interviews
   * Data security
   * Endpoint security
   * Email Security
   * Financial protection
   * Forensics and threat hunting
   * Industry trends
   * Institutions
   * Networking
   * Patch management
   * Patch Tuesday Updates
   * Ransomware
   * Remote Access
   * Threat center
     * Security alerts
     * Latest threats
   * Vulnerability
 * How to
   * Account security
   * Malware removal
   * Microsoft Windows
   * Mobile
   * Shopping
   * Social
 * Cybersecurity News
 * Resources


 * 
 * 
 * Cybersecurity Software


SCANNING ATTACK: WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ORGANIZATION AGAINST IT?

LAST UPDATED ON MARCH 3, 2023
Home > Cybersecurity Basics
INTERMEDIATE READ
6 min
Let's get started!
MADALINA
POPOVICI
COMMUNICATIONS & PR OFFICER



A scanning attack is a method used by threat actors to identify vulnerabilities
in a network or system. Scanning attacks typically involve using automated tools
to scan for open ports, vulnerabilities, and other weaknesses that can be
exploited to gain unauthorized access and/or launch a cyber attack.

In this article, we’ll delve deeper into how scanning attacks work, what types
of scanning are out there, and explore the measures you can implement to prevent
attackers from finding their way into your systems. So, without further ado…


WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF SCANNING?

Depending on who performs it, the purpose of scanning can be to either protect
or damage your system. Scanning purpose is also what separates ethical
(white-hat) hackers from unethical (black-hat) hackers. Here’s why:

 * In ethical hacking, scanning is used to discover potential security
   weaknesses and report them to the organization so that they can be fixed
   before malicious actors can exploit them.
 * In unethical hacking, scanning is also used to identify vulnerabilities, but
   with the purpose of gaining unauthorized access or to launch an attack, for
   personal gain or to cause harm to the target.


WHAT IS A SCANNING ATTACK?

Scanning is not an attack per se, but more of a technique used to identify
system and network vulnerabilities. However, scanning can lead to a cyberattack
when it is performed by malicious actors, who use it to get more specific
information about their target.

If the “scanning” succeeds, they might gather the following information about
your IT infrastructure:

 * IP addresses and hostnames – scanning can reveal the IP addresses and
   hostnames of devices connected to the network, which can help attackers map
   the network topology and identify targets;
 * Open ports and services – scanning can identify open ports on devices and the
   services that are running on those ports;
 * Operating system & software info – scanning can reveal what OS is running on
   devices and identify their potential vulnerabilities;
 * User Account Information – scanning can identify user accounts, usernames,
   and sometimes even passwords;
 * Network architecture – scanning can provide information regarding routers,
   switches, and firewalls to identify potential entry points into the network;
 * Application and service vulnerabilities – scanning can reveal vulnerabilities
   in specific applications or services running on the network.

All this data provides attackers with a better understanding of your network and
systems and they can leverage it to launch a variety of attacks including social
engineering, phishing, malware, denial-of-service (DoS), and even ransomware
attacks.


HOW DOES SCANNING ATTACK WORK? SCANNING TYPES

During scanning, various packets of data are sent to the system or network to
identify what services and ports are open and accessible. This can be done
manually, but attackers typically rely on automated tools such as: war dialers
(that scan phone numbers to identify connected modems and other devices), port
scanners, network mappers, sweepers, and vulnerability scanners.

In this process, different types of scanning techniques are used, including:

PORT SCANNING

Port scanning involves probing a network to identify open ports and services
that can be used to gain access to the target system. This is usually achieved
by sending packets to a range of port numbers on the target, and analyzing the
responses received to determine which ports are open, closed, or filtered. Open
ports can indicate the presence of running services or applications, which can
be targeted for further exploitation.

Port scanning sub techniques include: Ping scan, Vanilla scan, TCP half-open,
TCP connect, UDP, Xmas and FIN scans. If you want to learn more, check out this
piece that my colleague Livia wrote: What Is a Port Scan Attack? Definition and
Prevention Measures for Enterprises.

NETWORK SCANNING/MAPPING

Network scanning is the process of identifying devices and services on a network
and their interconnections. It involves sending packets to a range of IP
addresses on the network and analyzing the responses received to identify hosts,
open ports, and running services. The purpose of network scanning is to create a
map of the target network and identify potential attack paths.

VULNERABILITY SCANNING

Vulnerability scanning is a technique that identifies potential security
vulnerabilities in a system or network. It achieves this using automated tools
to scan a system or network for known vulnerabilities, such as outdated
software, unpatched systems, or misconfigured settings.

Vulnerability scanning can be performed on a regular basis to proactively
identify and address potential security risks, or in response to a specific
security incident. Once vulnerabilities are identified, organizations can take
steps to address them, such as applying software patches. If you want to learn
more about vulnerability scanning, my colleague Cristian wrote a comprehensive
piece about it: What Is Vulnerability Scanning: Definition, Types, Best
Practices.


THE SECOND PHASE OF HACKING

Scanning can be dangerous because it basically enables threat actors to get one
step closer to having access to your organization’s systems. In fact, scanning
is the second step of the 5-step hacking process. The first step is
reconnaissance (gathering information), the second is scanning (actively probing
the target system to identify vulnerabilities), the third is gaining access, the
fourth is maintaining access, and the last one is covering tracks.


DOES SCANNING REQUIRE DIRECT ACCESS TO A SYSTEM?

No, but it helps. While scanning attacks do not necessarily require direct
access to the system, as network scanners or vulnerability scanners, can be used
remotely to scan a target network for open ports, vulnerabilities, and other
potential attack vectors, the effectiveness of the scan may be limited if the
scanner is unable to reach certain parts of the network due to firewalls or
other security measures. Additionally, some types of scanning, such as wireless
scanning, may require the scanner to be in close proximity to the target system
or network.


HOW TO PREVENT A SCANNING ATTACK?

While scanning in itself cannot be prevented, minimizing the attack surface is
something that can be achieved with the right practices and tools. Here’s a list
of 6 measures that you can take to keep your organization safe against a
scanning attack:

 1. Use firewalls: Firewalls are an essential component of any cybersecurity
    strategy. They help to prevent unauthorized access to your network and can
    be configured to block port scan attempts.
 2. Regularly update software and systems: Keeping software and systems
    up-to-date is critical for preventing security vulnerabilities that can be
    exploited by attackers. Be sure to install security patches and updates as
    soon as they are available.
 3. Use intrusion detection (IDS) and prevention systems (IPS): Intrusion
    detection and prevention systems can help to detect and prevent scanning
    attempts by alerting you to suspicious network activity.
 4. Implement access controls: Limiting access to sensitive systems and data can
    help to prevent unauthorized scanning attempts.
 5. Conduct your own vulnerability scans: Regular vulnerability scanning should
    be a part of your cybersecurity strategy because it can help identify
    potential security risks before they can be exploited by attackers.
 6. Educate your staff: Training employees on cybersecurity best practices, such
    as creating strong passwords and avoiding phishing scams, can reduce the
    chances of social engineering attacks that may lead to scanning attempts.


HOW CAN HEIMDAL® HELP?

The good news is that we’ve got an entire suite of products that can help you
build a strong cyber defense and cover all attack fronts, so your organization
will be safe not only against scanning but also against many other cyber
attacks. Threat Prevention, Patch and Asset Management, Next-Gen
Antivirus, Ransomware Encryption Protection, Privileged Access
Management, Application Control can be purchased individually or combined as
needed, with a minimal system footprint and easy access and management from a
unified dashboard.

Reach out to our consultants at sales.inquiries@heimdalsecurity.com and book a
demo to find out which solution suits you best.



Simple standalone security solutions are no longer enough.


HEIMDAL® ENDPOINT DETECTION AND RESPONSE SOFTWARE

Is an innovative and enhanced multi-layered EDR security approach to
organizational defense.
 * Next-gen Antivirus & Firewall which stops known threats;
 * DNS traffic filter which stops unknown threats;
 * Automatic patches for your software and apps with no interruptions;
 * Privileged Access Management and Application Control, all in one unified
   dashboard

Try it for FREE today 30-day Free Trial. Offer valid only for companies.





WRAP UP

Scanning attacks are a serious threat to all systems and networks, but with the
right security measures and tools, your organization can stay safe against them.
Firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and vulnerability
management tools are important milestones in achieving a strong cyber defense,
so start gearing up!

If you want to learn more about how to build a strong cyber defense, check out
this webinar and meet one of our  cybersecurity experts:



And if you liked this article, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook,
and YouTube for more cybersecurity news and topics.

If you liked this post, you will enjoy our newsletter.
Get cybersecurity updates you'll actually want to read directly in your inbox.
I agree to have the submitted data processed by Heimdal Security according to
the Privacy Policy

RELATED

What Is a Host Intrusion Detection System (HIDS) and How It Works

Patch Management vs. Vulnerability Management: A Comparison

What Is Vulnerability Scanning: Definition, Types, Best Practices

What Is Vulnerability Assessment?

Most Popular Ethical Hacking Tools in 2023

What Is a Port Scan Attack? Definition and Prevention Measures for Enterprises

What Is Ethical Hacking? An Introduction to the Concept

Heimdal Cyber-Security & Threat Intelligence Report 2022-2023

How to Create a Successful Cybersecurity Strategy

How Every Cyber Attack Works – A Full List





LEAVE A REPLY(CANCEL REPLY)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment: *
Name: *
Email: *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.








GO TO TOP
SECURITY PRODUCTS FOR HOME USERS
FREE SOFTWARE UPDATER THREAT PREVENTION SOFTWARE ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE PREMIUM
SECURITY SUITE
SECURITY PRODUCTS FOR BUSINESSES
DNS Security PAM Software APPLICATION CONTROL PATCH MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE EMAIL
FRAUD PREVENTION EMAIL SECURITY ENDPOINT ANTIVIRUS RANSOMWARE ENCRYPTION
PROTECTION Remote Desktop Software EDR Software Cyber Threat Hunting
FREE SECURITY RESOURCES
Cyber Security Course for Beginners THE ULTIMATE WINDOWS 10 SECURITY GUIDE CYBER
SECURITY GLOSSARY THE DAILY SECURITY TIP CYBER SECURITY FOR SMALL BUSINESS
OWNERS CYBERSECURITY WEBINARS
COMPANY
ABOUT HEIMDAL MEDIA CENTER WRITE FOR US RESELLER PROGRAM AFFILIATE PROGRAM
©2014 - 2023 HEIMDAL SECURITY • VAT NO. 35802495 • VESTER FARIMAGSGADE 1 • 3 SAL
• 1606 KØBENHAVN V
support@heimdalsecurity.com
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG