What is Shodan.io?

Shodan.io is a search engine for internet-connected devices. It is also known as the “search engine for the Internet of Things (IoT)”. Shodan scans the internet for publicly accessible devices and services, and indexes the results. This allows users to search for devices and services based on a variety of criteria, such as device type, location, and operating system.

What purposes for use?

Shodan can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Security research: Shodan can be used to identify and assess security vulnerabilities in internet-connected devices.
  • Network monitoring: Shodan can be used to monitor traffic to and from your network.
  • Competitive intelligence: Shodan can be used to identify the technologies and services that your competitors are using.
  • Education: Shodan can be used to learn about the different types of internet-connected devices and how they work.

Shodan is a valuable tool for security researchers, network administrators, and anyone who wants to learn more about the Internet of Things. However, it is essential to note that malicious actors can also use Shodan to identify and target vulnerable devices.

Examples of Use

Here are some examples of how Shodan can be used:

  • Security researchers use Shodan to identify vulnerabilities in new IoT devices and services.
  • Network administrators use Shodan to monitor traffic to and from their networks and identify unauthorized devices.
  • Businesses are using Shodan to identify the technologies and services that their competitors are using.
  • Educators are using Shodan to teach students about the Internet of Things and how to secure it.

Shodan is a powerful tool that can be used for good or evil. It is essential to be aware of the potential risks and benefits before using Shodan.

How to use Shodan safely

If you are considering using Shodan, here are some tips to help you stay safe:

  • Only use Shodan for legitimate purposes. Shodan should not be used to identify and target vulnerable devices without the owner’s permission.
  • Be careful about the information you share. When using Shodan, be careful about the information you share, such as your IP address and the devices you are searching for.
  • Use a VPN. Using a VPN can help to protect your privacy and security when using Shodan.


Shodan.Io Search Tags

Shodan search tags filter search results and find specific types of devices and services. Tags can be combined using logical operators (AND, OR, NOT) to create complex search queries.

Some examples of Shodan search tags include:

  • Device type: cisco, router, camera, printer, etc.
  • Operating system: linux, windows, macos, android, etc.
  • Protocol: http, https, ssh, telnet, etc.
  • Port: 22, 80, 443, 3389, etc.
  • Location: country, city, region, etc.
  • Vulnerability: cve-2023-12345, exploit-db-56789, etc.

Shodan also has several unique tags that can filter search results. For example, the has_screenshot tag can be used to find devices with screenshots taken by Shodan. The vuln tag can be used to find devices vulnerable to specific exploits.

Here are some examples of how to use Shodan search tags:

  • Find all Cisco routers in the United States: device:cisco country:US
  • Find all devices running Linux that are vulnerable to CVE-2023-12345: os:linux vuln:cve-2023-12345
  • Find all devices that have HTTP servers running on port 80: protocol:http port:80
  • Find all devices that have screenshots taken by Shodan: has_screenshot:true

Shodan search tags can create very powerful and specific search queries. By combining tags, you can find devices and services that would be difficult or impossible to find using other methods.

Here are some additional tips for using Shodan search tags:

  • Use the Shodan documentation to learn more about the types of tags available and how to use them.
  • Experiment with different combinations of tags to see what results you get.
  • Be creative, and don’t be afraid to try new things.

With Shodan search tags, you can find almost any device or service connected to the internet.