Definition[]
A scan (also called a probe) is
| “ | an activity that seeks to access or identify a computer, its open ports, protocols, services, or any combination of these for later exploitation. A "scan" does not directly result in a compromise or denial of service. | ” |
A scan is "simply a large number of probes done using an automated tool.[1]
Overview[]
"Scans can sometimes be the result of a misconfiguration or other error, but they are often a prelude to a more directed attack on systems that the intruder has found to be vulnerable."[2]