shodan_scanners

Explanation

The shodan_scanners NDM is designed to detect instances of Shodan scanning your network.

What to Look For

To examine the results of the shodan_scanners event, look for unusual network traffic patterns, such as a large number of connection attempts from a single IP address or unusual port scanning activity. On the endpoint, look for any indicators of compromise (IOCs) that may suggest a Shodan scan, such as the presence of known Shodan scanner tools or suspicious activity in network logs. If you see any of these signs, take immediate action to investigate and remediate the issue to prevent potential damage and data theft.

Shodan is a search engine designed specifically for discovering internet-connected devices, systems, and services. Founded in 2009 by John Matherly, Shodan is often referred to as the "search engine for the Internet of Things" (IoT) due to its ability to index a wide variety of devices, ranging from web servers, routers, and security cameras to industrial control systems, smart home appliances, and more.

Shodan scans the internet for several reasons:

  1. Index internet-connected devices: Shodan continuously scans the internet to discover and index a vast array of devices and systems connected to it. It collects information on device types, IP addresses, open ports, operating systems, software versions, and other metadata, which can be searched and explored using the Shodan platform.

  2. Identify vulnerable systems: By scanning the internet, Shodan can uncover devices and systems with known vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, or weak security measures. This information can help researchers, cybersecurity professionals, and network administrators identify potential risks and take appropriate action to improve security.

  3. Analyze internet trends: Shodan's comprehensive view of internet-connected devices allows it to provide insights into various trends, such as the adoption of specific technologies, the prevalence of certain vulnerabilities, or the distribution of devices across different regions. This data can help researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals make better-informed decisions.

  4. Support cybersecurity research: Shodan's data is widely used by security researchers to study and analyze the security posture of internet-connected devices. This research often leads to the discovery of new vulnerabilities, the development of security tools and best practices, and a better understanding of the evolving threat landscape.

  5. Facilitate penetration testing and vulnerability assessments: Shodan can be used by cybersecurity professionals to perform penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, as it provides a wealth of information about the target systems, their open ports, and potential security weaknesses.

While Shodan has legitimate uses in research, cybersecurity, and network administration, it is essential to note that the information it provides can also be misused by malicious actors to identify vulnerable systems and launch attacks. As such, it underscores the importance of securing internet-connected devices and ensuring that systems are up-to-date with the latest patches and security configurations.

Related MITRE ATT&CK Categories

Active Scanning, Technique T1595 - Enterprise