Item: Nmap
Rating: 10
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Nmap is pivotal in anyone in the networking and security space. This works on all operating systems and is very simple, but versatile. In my area, we use this often to see what ports and protocols are being used, what are open, auditing, testing, etc. Every vulnerability tool has Nmap built into it for the product. Often, when I have minimal time or access, Nmap is very useful.

Pros and Cons

Scanning multiple IPs for open ports
very lightweight and not heavy
First step in auditing, pentesting, etc.

Bit of a learning curve
Syntax can be confusing

Most Important Features

OS Independent
Parity across systems
versatility

Return on Investment

Great for compliance audits
Open-Source and free
Can be automated through cron jobs and such.

Alternatives Considered

ZenMap is a 3rd-party UI for Nmap, so those that struggle with syntax, this is nice. Bit heavier to run and use.

Key Insights

Do you think Nmap delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Nmap's feature set?

Yes

Did Nmap live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of Nmap go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Nmap again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Tenable.io, Amazon GuardDuty

Likelihood to Recommend

Often, when we get a new service or api or endpoint created, we like to check it out and verify network settings upon creation. Especially if there are ports open that we don't need or want depending on internal classification.
Also, when we set up a new product or do a proof-of-concept of a software we're looking into, we like to scan it and see what ports may be used and open and then bring it up with our sales engineers.

Security and Network Engineer multitool. Core tool for most paid products.

Overall Satisfaction with Nmap