Network enumerator

A Network enumerator or network scanner is a computer program used to retrieve user names, and info on groups, shares and services of networked computers. This type of program scans networks for vulnerabilities in the security of that network. If there is a vulnerability with the security of the network, it will send a report back to a hacker who may use this info to exploit that network glitch to gain entry to the network or for other malicious activities. Ethical hackers often also use the information to remove the glitches and strengthen their network.

Advantages

Malicious (or "black-hat") hackers can, on entry of the network, get to security sensitive information or corrupt the network making it useless. If this network belonged to a company which used this network on a regular basis, the company would lose the function to send information internally to other departments.

Notable network enumerators

Notable enumerators are:

• Nmap
• QualysGuard
• fping
• Nessus