To scan your local network with Nmap, you can follow these steps:
1. Open the Nmap Network Scanner: Go to the K menu, navigate to Auditor, then Scanning, and finally click on Network Scanner. This will open a command line window where you can run Nmap commands.
2. Specify the target: In Nmap, you need to specify the target network or IP addresses you want to scan. You can either provide a single IP address or a range of IP addresses. For example, if you want to scan the entire local network, you can use the IP range 192.168.0.0/24.
3. Choose the scan type: Nmap offers various scan types, each providing different levels of information. The most common scan types are:
– TCP Connect Scan (-sT): This scan type establishes a full TCP connection with each target, making it more reliable but also more detectable.
– SYN Scan (-sS): Also known as a half-open scan, this type sends SYN packets to the target and listens for SYN/ACK responses. It is stealthier than a TCP Connect Scan.
– UDP Scan (-sU): This scan type focuses on discovering open UDP ports, which are commonly used for services like DNS and SNMP.
– Comprehensive Scan (-sC): This scan type combines multiple scan techniques and scripts to provide a thorough analysis of the target.
4. Run the scan: Once you have determined the target and scan type, you can execute the Nmap scan command. For example, to perform a SYN scan on the local network, you can use the following command:
“`
Nmap -sS 192.168.0.0/24
“`
This command tells Nmap to perform a SYN scan on all IP addresses in the range 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.0.255.
5. Analyze the results: After the scan completes, Nmap will display the results in the command line window. It will provide information about open ports, services running on those ports, and other details about the target systems. Analyze the output to identify any potential security issues or vulnerabilities.
It’s important to note that scanning a network without proper authorization is considered unethical and may be illegal. Always ensure you have permission from the network owner before conducting any network scanning activities.
Additionally, Nmap offers many advanced features and options that can be customized based on your specific requirements. You can explore the Nmap documentation and guides to learn more about its capabilities and how to use them effectively.
Network scanning with Nmap can be a powerful tool for network administrators, security professionals, and enthusiasts to discover hosts, services, and potential vulnerabilities within a local network.