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Application & OT Security · Foundational

Shodan

A search engine that indexes internet-connected devices and their service banners.

Definition

Shodan continuously scans the internet and records banners, open ports, TLS certificates and known vulnerabilities for devices such as webcams, ICS controllers, routers and servers. Searches use filters like port:, org:, country: and product:. It allows passive discovery of an organization's exposed services.

Example

Searching org:"Example Corp" port:3389 to find exposed RDP servers.

Exam tip

Shodan is passive from the target's perspective because Shodan already scanned it; it is a favorite for finding exposed IoT and ICS devices.

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