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Shodan

Search engine for internet-connected devices and security research.

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About

Shodan operates as a specialized search engine that continuously scans and indexes internet-connected devices across the globe. Unlike traditional web search engines that focus on websites, Shodan catalogs servers, routers, webcams, industrial control systems, and other networked devices that are accessible from the internet.

The platform provides detailed information about discovered devices, including operating systems, software versions, geographic locations, and open ports. Security researchers can search using specific queries to identify particular device types, vulnerabilities, or network configurations across different regions and organizations.

Shodan's comprehensive database enables cybersecurity professionals to conduct reconnaissance, assess attack surfaces, and identify potential security exposures. The platform indexes millions of devices daily, creating an extensive repository of internet-facing infrastructure that updates continuously as new devices come online.

Security teams, penetration testers, and threat intelligence analysts rely on Shodan for various research purposes. Organizations use the platform to discover their own internet-facing assets, identify unauthorized devices, and monitor for potential security misconfigurations that could expose sensitive systems.

The search engine supports advanced filtering capabilities, allowing users to narrow results by country, organization, product type, or specific technical characteristics. Security researchers can track trends in device deployment, monitor the adoption of new technologies, and identify emerging threats across different industries and geographic regions.

Shodan also provides API access and data feeds for organizations that need to integrate device discovery capabilities into their existing security tools and workflows. This functionality enables automated monitoring and alerting when new devices matching specific criteria appear on the internet.

The platform serves as a valuable resource for understanding the global landscape of internet-connected infrastructure. Security professionals use Shodan's insights to assess cyber risk, conduct competitive intelligence, and maintain awareness of the evolving attack surface that organizations face in an increasingly connected world.