NMAP, short for Network Mapper, is a free utility tool for network discovery and security auditing on Linux platforms. NMAP is essentially a network scanning tool that can determine what hosts are available, what services they are offering, the operating systems and other configurations they are running, and other handy information.
To install NMAP on Linux, follow these steps:
First, access your Linux terminal. You can find it in the Linux menu, usually under ‘Accessories.’ The terminal can also be accessed by using Ctrl+Alt+T.
Step 1: Update system repositories
Before starting the installation, it’s recommended to update your package list. You can update your system repositories by using the following command:
`sudo apt-get update`
This command ensures that your system downloads the latest software lists into local repositories.
Step 2: Installing NMAP
After updating the package list, proceed with the installation of NMAP by using the next command:
`sudo apt-get install nmap`
This command prompts the system to search for the NMAP package in the repositories and install it.
Step 3: Verifying the installation
After the installation is complete, you can verify if NMAP has been successfully installed by checking its version. The following command displays the version of the installed NMAP:
`nmap —version`
If NMAP is successfully installed, it will display its version, so you can proceed with using the tool.
Step 4: Using NMAP
NMAP can be used on both network systems and individual hosts. Here is a simple example that scans an individual host:
`nmap 192.168.1.1`
The above command scans the host with the IP address “192.168.1.1.” NMAP will output the open ports and running services on this host.
These steps cover the simple installation of NMAP. Remember, NMAP is a powerful tool, so it’s advised to learn more about its functionalities before using it extensively.
This guide was created using information from the following sources: “How to Install and use NMAP on Ubuntu” from LinuxConfig.org [1] and “How to Use NMAP Command in Linux” from Poftut.com.2
In conclusion, NMAP is a vital tool for network administrators to ensure the security of their systems. It’s free and works on a variety of platforms, including Linux. Install it on your own system and discover the powerful network scanning capabilities it offers.
Sources:
1. LinuxConfig.org, “How to Install and use NMAP on Ubuntu“
https://linuxconfig.org/how-to-install-use-nmap-on-ubuntu-20-04-focal-fossa-linux
1. Poftut.com, “How to Use NMAP Command in Linux“
https://www.poftut.com/use-nmap-command-linux/
