Analyzing hosts and networks with Nmap
Critical Eye

In "The Matrix Reloaded," Trinity uses Nmap to hack into the power grid to pave Neo's way to the architect of the virtual world. However, the port scanner is also ideal for more mundane purposes – such as discovering vulnerabilities in your domestic network.
Nmap (Network Mapper) [1] discovers computers, services, and vulnerabilities on a network. The port scanner, which is implemented in C++ is GPLv2 licensed and runs on all major operating systems. Nmap has been developed since 1996 by Gordon "Fyodor" Lyon of Insecure.Org. Nmap has appeared in 12 movies, including "The Matrix Reloaded," "Die Hard 4," and "The Bourne Ultimatum."
The Nmap scanner can serve many roles. It uses a variety of approaches to discover computers on a network, and it also provides quite accurate information about operating systems, active services, and service vulnerabilities. Packaged in a cron job, Nmap notifies administrators when a service fails or a computer in the network suddenly offers new services installed by an attacker or overzealous user.
Nmap also includes a scripting engine and many LUA scripts for automating tasks and extending the functionality of the tools. Apart from the scanner, the Nmap suite includes other helpful tools, such as the Zenmap graphical user interface, the Ncat data transfer and debugging tool, the Ndiff comparison tool, and the Nping packet generator.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
USB4 Maintainer Leaves Intel
Michael Jamet, one of the primary maintainers of USB4 and Thunderbolt drivers, has left Intel, leaving a gaping hole for the Linux community to deal with.
-
Budgie 10.9.3 Now Available
The latest version of this elegant and configurable Linux desktop aligns with changes in Gnome 49.
-
KDE Linux Alpha Available for Daring Users
It's official, KDE Linux has arrived, but it's not quite ready for prime time.
-
AMD Initiates Graphics Driver Updates for Linux Kernel 6.18
This new AMD update focuses on power management, display handling, and hardware support for Radeon GPUs.
-
AerynOS Alpha Release Available
With a choice of several desktop environments, AerynOS 2025.08 is almost ready to be your next operating system.
-
AUR Repository Still Under DDoS Attack
Arch User Repository continues to be under a DDoS attack that has been going on for more than two weeks.
-
RingReaper Malware Poses Danger to Linux Systems
A new kind of malware exploits modern Linux kernels for I/O operations.
-
Happy Birthday, Linux
On August 25, Linux officially turns 34.
-
VirtualBox 7.2 Has Arrived
With early support for Linux kernel 6.17 and other new additions, VirtualBox 7.2 is a must-update for users.
-
Linux Mint 22.2 Beta Available for Testing
Some interesting new additions and improvements are coming to Linux Mint. Check out the Linux Mint 22.2 Beta to give it a test run.