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Contents:
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Implement access controls: Limiting access to sensitive systems and data can help to prevent unauthorized scanning attempts.
- 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.
- 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.
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:
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Madalina, a seasoned digital content creator at Heimdal®, blends her passion for cybersecurity with an 8-year background in PR & CSR consultancy. Skilled in making complex cyber topics accessible, she bridges the gap between cyber experts and the wider audience with finesse.
