Scanning Networks · Module 03
Zenmap
The official Nmap GUI — build, run and visualize scans.
Safe to try on your own machine. Spin up your Kali Linux lab and practice away — on any system you own or have permission to test. That’s exactly how the pros learn.
Definition
Zenmap is the official graphical user interface (GUI) for Nmap, a network scanning and security auditing tool.
Simplify network scanning by configuring scans, viewing results, and visualizing network information graphically.
Network discovery, port scanning, security auditing, and authorized penetration testing.
Key features
A visual alternative to running Nmap in a terminal.
Predefined and custom scan profiles you can reuse.
Shows the Nmap command for the chosen configuration.
Organizes results into hosts, ports and services views.
Can display discovered network relationships visually.
Compare results from different scans.
Important commands
zenmapLaunch Zenmap where the command is available.
nmap <target>Basic scan (entered in Zenmap's Command field).
nmap -sn <target>Discover hosts without a port scan.
nmap -sV <target>Detect service versions.
nmap -A <target>OS + version detection, scripts and traceroute.
Practical examples
zenmap
Purpose Opens the graphical interface where installed.
nmap 192.168.1.10
Purpose Scans common TCP ports on the host.
nmap -sV 192.168.1.10
Purpose Identifies services and versions on open ports.
nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24
Purpose Host discovery across the subnet.
Important points
- Zenmap vs Nmap: Zenmap is the GUI; Nmap is the underlying scanning tool.
- Command compatibility: Supported options depend on the installed Nmap version.
- Scan profiles: Profiles make frequent scan configurations easy to reuse.
- Availability: Zenmap is not included by default in every Nmap install.
- Authorization: Scan only systems you own or are permitted to assess.
Common use cases
Identify active hosts on an authorized network.
Review open ports and exposed services.
View discovered hosts and relationships.
Assess exposure and verify configurations.
This tool is taught in Module 03
Read the full written notes, with diagrams, defense and detection.