Nmap Network Scanning: The Official Nmap Project Guide to Network Discovery and Security Scanning 12.2.2008 Edition

nmap is a well-used component of my IT toolbox. I use it primarily for self-discovery (no, not THAT sort of 'self-discovery') - to check my network perimeter, to check the security model inside my network, to figure out who's doing what on my wire, etc. - but I always knew that I was taking advantage of only a small part of its potential.Lyon's book provides a detailed and informative presentation to nmap and its many uses in the professional IT arsenal. While, a fair bit of the material can be gleaned from a wide-assortment of sources on the net (somewhere in those tubes) - including from Lyon's own site, [...] - this book coalesces and distills the material into a tight, cohesive and entertaining presentation with added tidbits that only the author of such a powerful tool might know. And since, like any good tool, using nmap can be dangerous w/o a good user manual, this book provides the need-to-know information for efficient use of nmap.Hell, even if the book sucked, the guy has done such a valuable service by providing this free, open-source tool it seems only fitting that we throw him a couple of bucks for all of his effort. But the book rocks, so it's a two-fer: good-info AND smug feeling of satisfaction that $$ is well spent on someone who actually did something.So: If you want to be in the know you need this book. If you want to know what is on your network you need this book. If you want to keep ahead of those damned script-kiddies you need this book.

Thanks!

Every Security God needs a Bible, and Fyodor's absolute, incrediblydefinitive guide on Nmap will imbue you with rock-solid scanningstratagems without having to sacrifice the network to lesser tools andtomes.An earlier review mentioned this book, "Is not for the casual nmapuser..." Indeed, Nmap is not a casual tool. No other open-sourcesecurity tool in recent memory (10yrs) matches the potentially bad....andostensibly good events someone could discern from a network.What makes the book unique in its approach is that it was written by thecreator of the tool. Fyodor is a rare combination of first-rateprogrammer and elucidating author, which some might relate to -- how manyof us have used an excellent tool, only to be underwhelmed by the dearthof documentation?This is especially important from a technique/holistic view, meaning thatthe more intricate the security tool, the more potential mayhem one cancreate. It's the difference between knowing your vulnerabilities orfinding out how personally vulnerable you are to pointed questions byangry admins after you brought down the network...or worse.Over half the book goes over features and options I haven't seen onlineanywhere else -- that alone makes the book a worthwhile purchase. Buyingthe book reaffirms the concept that intelligent, well-designed opensource software can be exponentially better than software costingthousands...and you can take that to your Knowledge Bank.-joe

I purchased this book as part of a graduate level ethical hacking course at WGU. I could simply state that if you're going to use nmap, you need this book. However, for people like me who are just getting started in the world of ethical vulnerability and penetration testing, I needed something comprehensive, complete, and not too "over my head." The author (and his team who he clearly acknowledges in the Introduction) have done a superior job in the writing of this book; the actual writing style is so easy to read and understand. The author takes great care in identifying and acknowledging the various skill set of his potential readers. He provides scenarios, case studies, examples, and detailed descriptions that people like me need and enjoy. He also provides charts, screen prints, and a reference manual for people who want to use this book as a reference only. I am reading this book cover to cover and will be buying my second copy today to keep at my office. Reading this book is like having a discussion with the book's author and since the author also developed the nmap program, I can't think of a better person to learn nmap from. Excellent work Fyodor!

Ordered this to really understand all the bells and whistles of Nmap before taking my PWK (OSCP) course. Regarding the criticism for Fyodor for repeating himself, there is a lot of repetition in the book. However, this actually adds value to book as reference material. Unlike other books, while reading on any topic you do not have to jump around in the book as everything you need is right there in each chapter. Most of the chapters are very easy reading while some get very technical. Not only does the author explain how to use the tool, he explains exactly what Nmap is doing with each command from a technical standpoint. If you plan to make your own network scanning tool, this is the book for you! The book is a bit dated BUT all the updated material is available online for FREE as well as the Nmap change logs.My only criticism lies in the quality of the material not the content (5 star content). The printing is blurred on multiple pages and cover is awkward (after opening once the cover will forever curl out). This is book I would like to keep forever, it would have been nice if it came in hard cover.

This IMO is the best book is the best for learning nmap. It is written in a way that’s very clear and to the point, but also very engaging.