Vulnerability Scanning with Nmap: Network Scanning from Coursera

The Vulnerability Scanning with Nmap: Network Scanning guided project dives into the use of the Nmap tool, a popular free and open-source tool used for network scanning and security auditing. This project covers how to verify the installation of Nmap and the Nmap version on a system, as well as the basics of network scanning, host discovery, port scanning, service enumeration, operating system detection, version detection, and vulnerability detection using the Nmap tool. We’ll cover practical steps for network scanning that can be used to showcase your skills to a current or future employer.

Security professionals, such as Security Analysts or Security Engineers, use Nmap to improve the security of their networks and to identify potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by attackers.

By completing this project, learners will gain hands-on experience running various Nmap commands in the terminal to perform basic scanning on a target to identify potential vulnerabilities on a network which is helpful to improve network security.

A basic knowledge of vulnerability scanning and an understanding of networking concepts, such as IP addresses, ports, and protocols, is recommended.

What's inside

Syllabus

Project Overview

In this guided project, learners will gain hands-on experience running various Nmap commands in the terminal to perform basic scanning on a target to identify potential vulnerabilities on a network which is helpful to improve network security.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores vulnerability scanning, a standard practice in industry

Taught by Janice Sanders, who is a recognized expert in network scanning

Develops skills in Nmap, a tool used by security professionals

Teaches practical steps for network scanning, which can be used to demonstrate skills to employers

Advises learners to have a basic knowledge of vulnerability scanning and networking concepts

Requires hands-on experience with Nmap and understanding of networking concepts

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Vulnerability Scanning with Nmap: Network Scanning with these activities:

Install and Verify Nmap

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Installing and verifying Nmap will provide a solid foundation for the course by ensuring you have the necessary tools.

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Check if Nmap is already installed.
Download the latest version of Nmap.
Install Nmap.

Read 'Nmap: Network Scanning: The Official Nmap Project Guide'

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Reading the official Nmap guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the tool and its capabilities.

View Nmap Network Scanning: The Official Nmap... on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of the book.
Read each chapter and take notes.
Complete the practice exercises in the book.

Practice Basic Network Scanning

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Practice basic network scanning to understand how to identify hosts and open ports on a network.

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Run a basic host discovery scan.
Run a basic port scanning scan.

Four other activities

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Create a Cheat Sheet for Nmap Commands

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Creating a cheat sheet will help you memorize and quickly reference Nmap commands, improving your efficiency.

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List down commonly used Nmap commands.
Organize the commands based on their functionality.

Host a Study Group for Nmap

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Leading a study group on Nmap will deepen your understanding of the topic and help others learn as well.

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Find a group of interested participants.
Set up a meeting schedule and location.
Prepare discussion topics and activities.

Participate in a Security Group

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Participating in a security group will provide you with hands-on experience and exposure to real-world security challenges.

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Find a local security group or online community.
Introduce yourself and your interest.
Participate in discussions and projects.

Conduct a Network Security Assessment

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Conducting a network security assessment will provide you with practical experience in identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities.

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Choose a target network for assessment.
Plan the scope and methodology of the assessment.
Use Nmap and other tools to scan for vulnerabilities.

Career center

Learners who complete Vulnerability Scanning with Nmap: Network Scanning will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Security Analyst

This course helps to build the high level of knowledge base required of a Network Security Analyst. It introduces the use of some of the most common tools in vulnerability management, and a strong demonstration of these on a resume would set any candidate apart. By understanding the steps required to perform a vulnerability scan and the potential consequences of not having one, you would be entering into the Network Security Analyst role with a strong foundation.

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Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of a company’s network. This course would provide a strong foundation toward this by introducing various commands for use in vulnerability scanning with Nmap, particularly for host discovery, port scanning, service enumeration, and vulnerability detection.

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Cybersecurity Analyst

This course is a great first step towards becoming a Cybersecurity Analyst. The role is responsible for employing various techniques to protect the data and systems of a company, and understanding the methods of vulnerability scanning is paramount to this. It also covers concepts such as network discovery, host enumeration, and port scanning.

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Security Engineer

This course can help lead to success as a Security Engineer, especially for those with no prior experience in the field. It introduces concepts such as vulnerability scanning, port scanning, and service enumeration, all of which are crucial to a Security Engineer’s job. These skills would be a great addition to any resume.

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IT Auditor

This course would be a great introduction to the skills required as an IT Auditor. Auditors are responsible for ensuring that a company’s IT systems are in compliance with regulations, and vulnerability scanning is often a part of this process. This course would introduce the foundational skills needed to scan for security weaknesses and assess an organization’s exposure to risk.

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Penetration Tester

This course could be useful for Penetration Testers at the beginning of their career or those seeking a career change. Understanding the techniques involved in vulnerability scanning will augment any Penetration Tester’s skillset.

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Cloud Security Engineer

This course could be useful for Cloud Security Engineers seeking either a career change or a deeper understanding of vulnerability scanning in cloud environments. It covers methods of port scanning and vulnerability detection useful in identifying risks in cloud infrastructure.

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Security Analyst

This course may be of use to aspiring Security Analysts, especially for those with a focus on network security. It outlines several approaches to vulnerability scanning and how to scan for security weaknesses.

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Network Architect

While the role of a Network Architect doesn’t typically require this specific knowledge, it may be of use to those in the field with a specific focus on network security. This course introduces some basic methods for network scanning and port scanning that could be utilized by a Network Architect.

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Security Consultant

This course may be useful for Security Consultants who are new to the field or who seek to gain a more comprehensive understanding of vulnerability scanning. It provides a foundational knowledge of the Nmap tool and its various uses.

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IT Manager

While this course may not be directly relevant to the role of an IT Manager, individuals in this position who also have a focus on network security may find it useful. It offers a practical overview of network scanning using Nmap, which can be helpful in identifying network vulnerabilities.

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Compliance Auditor

This course may be of some use to aspiring Compliance Auditors, particularly those in the IT or cybersecurity domain. It introduces the basic principles of vulnerability scanning, which is a crucial aspect of ensuring regulatory compliance in the IT landscape.

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Incident Responder

This course could be useful for budding Incident Responders as it can provide a basic understanding of network vulnerability scanning. This knowledge can be helpful in identifying potential vulnerabilities and responding effectively to security incidents.

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Risk Analyst

This course may be of some use to Risk Analysts seeking to expand their knowledge in the field of cybersecurity risk assessment. It covers techniques for vulnerability scanning and identifying potential security risks, which can be valuable in risk analysis and management.

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Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst

This course could be of limited use to Cyber Threat Intelligence Analysts as it introduces the basics of vulnerability scanning. However, understanding the methods and tools for identifying system vulnerabilities can provide valuable insights for threat intelligence gathering and analysis.

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