Nmap Reviews

Name: Nmap
Brand: Nmap
Rating: 4.3 (22 reviews)

Vendor: Nmap

4.3 out of 5

22 reviews
100% willing to recommend

1,076 followers

What is Nmap?

Nmap ("Network Mapper") is a free and open source (license) utility for network discovery and security auditing. Many systems and network administrators also find it useful for tasks such as network inventory, managing service upgrade schedules, and monitoring host or service uptime. Nmap uses raw IP packets in novel ways to determine what hosts are available on the network, what services (application name and version) those hosts are offering, what operating systems (and OS versions) they are running, what type of packet filters/firewalls are in use, and dozens of other characteristics. It was designed to rapidly scan large networks, but works fine against single hosts. Nmap runs on all major computer operating systems, and official binary packages are available for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X. In addition to the classic command-line Nmap executable, the Nmap suite includes an advanced GUI and results viewer (Zenmap), a flexible data transfer, redirection, and debugging tool (Ncat), a utility for comparing scan results (Ndiff), and a packet generation and response analysis tool (Nping).

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Nmap is the #16 ranked solution in best Network Monitoring Tools. PeerSpot users give Nmap an average rating of 8.6 out of 10. Nmap is most commonly compared to Zabbix: Nmap vs Zabbix. Nmap is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 64% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 13% of all views.

Helped 815,854 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

Aqeel Junaid

Junior Executive - Information Security at sunshine holdings

The product's port scan capabilities have positively impacted my company's network management tasks. The OS detection feature has benefited our company's network analysis since it shows me the open ports that are vulnerable. The product helps me get details about the vulnerability in open ports. I have not integrated the product with other tools except for the fact that I have used Nmap in Metasploit. I recommend the product to those who plan to use it for network security and management. The tool provides full scanning of ports. Though there are other products in the market, many of the solutions are not as good as Nmap, which offers a lot of features that are easy to use. I rate the solution a nine out of ten.

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AntoSebastin

Cyber Security Consultant - APAC at Logon Software

Nmap is mostly helpful during compliance checks. We run the scanner to see how many devices are on our network and find vulnerabilities in those that aren't compliant. We also use it monthly to scan our network and identify devices that aren't connected properly. This helps us detect any issues related to the operating systems of these devices. The tool's most valuable feature is its vulnerability scanning. It allows us to scan a specific range of IP addresses and discover devices within that range. This makes it easy to identify devices and view their details. Port scanning is crucial for network management tasks. It helps us identify vulnerabilities by finding open ports that may be unused or misconfigured. This tool makes it easy to detect such issues. The OS detection feature is great. Unlike other tools, Nmap provides accurate information about asset vulnerabilities, helping us easily detect and address them. Using Nmap provides value to the company, especially during compliance audits. It helps generate reports on assets, updates on workstations, and insights into network activities and potential attacks. Additionally, Nmap detects vulnerabilities and provides port details, allowing us to close unused ports on the client machines.

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Heritier Daya

Network Administrator at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees

I use Nmap just for vulnerability assessment, especially for network discovery. I can scan a network and get total information about the device, the operating system, IP, and all of the services running. So, Nmap is one of the good tools The most important function, according to me, is the…

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Nmap mindshare

As of November 2024, the mindshare of Nmap in the Network Monitoring Software category stands at 0.6%, down from 0.7% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Monitoring Software

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Oct 10, 2024

Valuable Features

Nmap offers advanced port and vulnerability scanning, script capabilities, and identifies network status. Users value its ability to detect services, scan UDP ports, and integrate with tools like Nessus. It supports comprehensive network discovery and auditing, displaying detailed results on hosts, protocols, and traffic. Users find it powerful for troubleshooting security issues without heavy resource usage and appreciate its flexibility in automation and command-line interface usability.

"The solution detects the operating systems, which makes testing the software much easier before making the payload."
"Nmap is mostly helpful during compliance checks. We run the scanner to see how many devices are on our network and find vulnerabilities in those that aren't compliant. We also use it monthly to scan our network and identify devices that aren't connected properly. This helps us detect any issues related to the operating systems of these devices."
"The most valuable feature of the solution for security audits stems from the fact that it serves as a powerful tool with the ability to scan a large number of ports."

Room for Improvement

Nmap users suggest improvements such as a graphical user interface to enhance usability and an increase in scanning speed. They desire features for better network insight and vulnerability assessment like those provided by competitor tools. Users seek a more accessible experience for beginners and additional API functionalities. Some suggest reduction in pricing, stability enhancements, and more licenses for extended scan capabilities. Overall, they propose community-driven updates and enhanced third-party library evaluations.

"The solution is not that easy for a beginner to learn."
"The tool's license limits the number of scans it can perform. Improving the license model could benefit customers by allowing more scans for compliance and other purposes."
"There are concerns with the stability of the product, making it an area where improvements are required."

Pricing

The pricing, setup cost, and licensing for Nmap vary depending on the version. There is a free version available, which is suitable for users who do not require advanced troubleshooting tools. However, for those who need additional support or more features, there are specific services that can be purchased, including a license for a professional version.

"I am using the free version of Nmap."
"The product's pricing is fine. The licensing options for Nmap include perpetual licenses and volume-based licenses. For perpetual licenses, once you purchase it, there's no need to invest in renewals. And for volume-based licenses, enterprise companies can use it multiple times based on the number of users or devices they need to scan. It's a pay-as-you-go model, similar to how you pay for what you use."
"Nmap is an open-source product. You don't need a license to install it."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use Nmap for network security, vulnerability assessment, and monitoring. They employ it to scan network environments, identify open ports, discover devices, and gather MAC addresses. It assists in checking network communications, identifying operating systems, and determining available services. Nmap also aids in uncovering vulnerabilities, conducting reconnaissance, and validating applications externally. It provides essential information for addressing potential security threats, assisting in network inventory management, and establishing port configurations in various network environments.

Service and Support

Nmap support is primarily community-driven, with users relying on active forums and documentation. Many have not contacted technical support due to the extensive resources available online and through community interaction. Enterprise users may find additional options, but typical users typically resolve issues through collaborative environments. The absence of direct support channels does not hinder everyday use, as community guidance suffices for most users. Nmap, being open-source, benefits from a dedicated user and developer network.

Deployment

Nmap's initial setup is predominantly simple and straightforward. Users report quick installation processes, often completed in minutes, with some complexity noted for beginners or those unfamiliar with command-line tools. Proper documentation aids in deployment, especially on Linux where a single command suffices. While newcomers may face challenges, experienced users find it manageable. Some mention integration with specific systems and the ease of setting configuration parameters, highlighting Nmap's robust functionality despite minor adaptability concerns.

Scalability

Nmap is highly scalable, handling networks with thousands of machines effectively. Many users find it easy to scale, without issues. Although cloud features are lacking, it remains robust. Users in various company sizes successfully manage large network scans, controlling speed efficiently. Since Nmap operates as an individual setup, scalability relies on server specifications. Some rate its features between seven to ten out of ten, noting its suitability for small enterprises and forensic testing.

Stability

Nmap is described as stable, with many rating its stability between eight to ten out of ten. Users report no significant issues, mentioning reliable performance across various platforms, especially Linux. While its free license has limitations like manual updates, it doesn't impact stability for most. Some users note occasional issues on Windows, such as freezing during prolonged sessions. However, continuous enhancements keep it robust and dependable for most applications.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

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