Essential Port Scanning Skills for Bug Bounty Hunters

Introduction

Port scanning is one of the foundational skills every bug bounty hunter must master to identify potential vulnerabilities in a target system. Port scanning is the process of systematically checking a server or network device for open ports, which are points of communication used by software and services. These open ports can serve as gateways into the system for both legitimate users and attackers.

In the bug bounty world, discovering an open port and identifying the service running on that port is often the first step in uncovering security weaknesses. A port scan can reveal misconfigurations, unpatched vulnerabilities, or other issues that could allow an attacker to compromise the system.

This blog will provide an in-depth guide on port scanning, including its importance in bug bounty hunting, essential tools, techniques, best practices, and real-world examples to sharpen your skills as a bug bounty hunter.

Understanding Port Scanning

What is a Port?

In networking, a port is a virtual point where network connections begin and end. Ports are identified by numbers ranging from 0 to 65535, and they serve as endpoints for various network services and applications. Different…