What Is Shodan

Shodan (Sentient Hyper-Optimised Data Access Network) is a search engine designed to mapping and gathering knowledge about connected systems and devices. Shodan is sometimes referred to as a search engine for internet of things (IoT). Software applications include market research, vulnerability analysis and penetration testing, as well as hacking.

Shodan makes it possible to detect devices that are connected to the Internet at any time, those devices and their current users' location. Such devices can be in almost any type of system, including commercial network, surveillance cameras, industrial control system (ICS) and smart home. Shodan tries to pull the system's banner directly, collecting data through the ports of the respective server. Handing up the banner is an important step in the penetration test because it helps in identifying weak systems. Shodan also searches for similar exploits in the exploitation section of the search platform.

Shodan supports Boolean operators and provides filters to improve search efficiency. The search engine provides 50 results for free and offers paid membership for more comprehensive results.

John Matherly came up with the idea of ​​searching for Internet-connected devices in 2003 and launched Shodan in 2009. It quickly became clear that hackers can use the tool to find a weaker system, and besides, many systems around the world are easily available to be inadequately safe with hardware attacks, industrial espionage and sabotage.

Shodan has been nominated for a character of a video game series called System Shock.