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Shodan

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

OSINT · Intermediate · OSINT lane

IntermediateOSINT — Internet-wide
Authorized usage only. Capture and inspect traffic only on systems and networks you own or have written permission to analyze.

What is Shodan?

Shodan searches internet-connected devices and banners.

Find exposed services on assets you own; never abuse for unauthorized scanning.

Official website: Shodan · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Find internet-exposed services on IPs and org footprints (monitor assets you own).
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for Shodan.
  • You already tried simpler checks and need this tool’s deeper capability.

When not to use it

  • Do not use results to attack third parties. Follow law and Shodan ToS.

Who uses it?

  • OSINT analysts
  • Investigators (lawful use)
  • Red teamers (authorized recon)

How do you use it? (typical flow)

  1. Install Shodan using the steps below (prefer Kali package or official installer).
  2. Confirm you have authorization for the target (lab VM, own system, or written scope).
  3. Run --help / man (or the Help section) to see current flags for your version.
  4. Start with a safe example from Basic commands against localhost or an authorized lab target.
  5. Record what you ran, what you observed, and any follow-up (filter, report, remediation).

Help & manual (like man / --help)

Every serious tool has a built-in way to look up flags. Learn these first so you are not stuck memorizing every option.

  1. 1. Help

    shodan --help

  2. 2. Site

    https://www.shodan.io/

Kali Linux

CLI (shodan) via pip + API key; web UI available.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali LinuxCLI (shodan) via pip + API key; web UI available.
Webhttps://account.shodan.io/register

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. Review unexpected ports

    Search your org name

    Review unexpected ports

  2. 2. Show help

    Search --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. 3. Short help

    Search -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. 4. Set alerts for your netblocks

    alert

    Set alerts for your netblocks

Options / flags

OptionPurpose
alertSet alerts for your netblocks

5. Useful features

  • Filters
  • Org search
  • Alerts

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: Review unexpected ports

    Search your org name

    Review unexpected ports

  2. Example 2: Show help

    Search --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. Example 3: Short help

    Search -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. Example 4: Set alerts for your netblocks

    alert

    Set alerts for your netblocks

7. Important notes

  • Monitoring your attack surface — not scanning arbitrary targets.
  • Authorized targets only — labs, systems you own, or written permission.
  • Prefer reading --help / man / official docs for your installed version; flags change over time.

Related course: ethical hacking penetration testing · soc analyst blue team · Commands: /osint