nmap
The Network Mapper
Matches ATT&CK tactic: Reconnaissance ↗ · Matches ATT&CK tactic: Discovery ↗
Toolnetwork-informationvulnerability-scanningreconnaissancenetwork-service-discoverydiscoverynon-application-layer-protocolredLinuxKali LinuxPlatforms: Linux · Last verified September 6, 2026
Nmap is a utility for network exploration or security auditing. It supports ping scanning (determine which hosts are up), many port scanning techniques, version detection (determine service protocols and application versions listening behind ports), and TCP/IP fingerprinting (remote host OS or device identification). Nmap also offers flexible target and port specification, decoy/stealth scanning, sunRPC scanning, and more. Most Unix and Windows platforms are supported in both GUI and commandline modes. Several popular handheld devices are also supported, including the Sharp Zaurus and the iPAQ.
Only use this tool against systems you own or are explicitly authorized to test — see the disclaimer.
Getting started
Install on Kali Linux with `sudo apt install nmap`. See the official Kali tool page and upstream homepage linked above for full usage and configuration details.
