Port scanning is a technique used by hackers to gather information about a target computer or network. The process involves sending packets of data to different ports on the target system and analyzing the responses to determine which ports are open and what services are running on them. This information can be used to identify vulnerabilities that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to the system.

Here is a simple explanation on how hackers use port scanning:

Scanning the target system: The hacker will first determine the IP address of the target system, either through publicly available information or by using network discovery tools.

Sending packets to ports: The hacker will then use a port scanning tool to send packets of data to various ports on the target system. The tool will keep track of which ports respond and which ones do not.

Analyzing responses: The responses from the target system will indicate which ports are open and what services are running on them. This information can be used to determine if there are any vulnerabilities that can be exploited.

Exploiting vulnerabilities: If the hacker finds any vulnerabilities, they can use them to gain unauthorized access to the system, install malware, steal sensitive information, or launch a denial-of-service attack.

Why hackers use port scanning:

Information gathering: Port scanning is a way for hackers to gather information about a target system, including the operating system, services running on it, and any open ports.

Identifying vulnerabilities: By identifying open ports and the services running on them, hackers can determine if there are any vulnerabilities that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to the system.

Finding potential targets: Port scanning can be used to find potential targets for a cyber attack. Hackers may use port scanning to search for systems with specific open ports or vulnerabilities, which they can then target.

In conclusion, port scanning is a powerful tool that can be used by both ethical hackers and malicious actors to gather information about a target system and identify vulnerabilities. While it can be used for both benign and malicious purposes, it is important to understand the potential risks and take appropriate measures to secure your systems and networks.

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