Scanning is the process of actively searching for and identifying active hosts, open ports, and vulnerabilities on a network or computer system. This can be done using various tools and techniques, such as ping sweeps, port scans, and vulnerability scans. The purpose of scanning is to gather information about the network or system, identify potential security risks, and detect any unauthorized access or activity.
Scanning can be performed both legally and illegally, depending on the purpose and context, and it is a key step in the reconnaissance phase of a cyber attack. Security professionals use scanning as a way to identify vulnerabilities that need to be addressed, and attackers use scanning to identify potential targets for attacks.