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Nmap

A network scanning tool that sends IP packets to discover hosts, open ports, running services, and operating systems for security auditing

It takes care to curate a safe software space. Help us do more.

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Port Scanning
Probes target hosts with TCP and UDP techniques to determine which ports are open, closed, or filtered, giving administrators a clear picture of exposed network services.
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OS Detection
Analyzes variations in a target’s TCP/IP stack responses to identify its operating system and version, helping auditors understand what systems are present on a network.
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Service and Version Detection
Interrogates open ports to determine the application name and version number of the service running there, allowing administrators to spot outdated or vulnerable software.
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Nmap Scripting Engine
Runs a library of Lua scripts covering discovery, vulnerability checks, and advanced protocol probing, letting users automate reconnaissance tasks beyond basic scanning.
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Zenmap GUI
Provides a graphical front end for building scan commands, viewing results, and comparing scans, so users who prefer not to use the command line can still drive full scans.
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Ncat Utility
Bundles a redirection and data-transfer tool supporting SSL, proxies, and IPv6, enabling users to pipe data between hosts or test connections for debugging and automation.
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Firewall/IDS Evasion
Offers packet fragmentation, decoy scanning, and spoofing options to test how firewalls and intrusion-detection systems react to disguised traffic, helping teams validate their defenses.
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IPv6 Scanning
Extends most scanning and detection techniques to IPv6 targets, allowing administrators to audit dual-stack networks alongside legacy IPv4 infrastructure.
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Ndiff Comparison
Compares two Nmap XML scan results and highlights differences in hosts and ports, helping teams track how a network’s exposure changes between scans.
...5 more features/limitations. Contact us to get a complete list of features and system requirements.

Platform

Desktop

Social

System Requirements

#Minimum
1
Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2, and newer
2
Npcap packet-capture driver (bundled with the self-installer)
#Minimum
1
macOS 10.9 (Mavericks) or later
2
Intel x86-64
#Minimum
1
RPM-based distribution (e.g. Red Hat, Fedora, SUSE), or any distribution via source compilation
2
x86-64

Ratings

4.80
5

Capterra
4.8
5
based on 54 reviews

Developer

Written in

C, C++, Python, Lua

Initial Release

1997-09-01

Repository

License

Categories


Notes

  • Nmap ships with companion tools Zenmap (GUI), Ncat, Ndiff, and Nping, bundled with the Windows and macOS installers, and separately available on Linux.
  • The free Nmap Public Source License (NPSL) does not permit bundling Nmap inside commercial products or appliances; vendors needing that must purchase a separate Nmap OEM license.