System and method for scanning a network
US7761918B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L63/1433
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods to passively scan a network are disclosed herein. The passive scanner sniffs a plurality of packets traveling across the network. The passive scanner analyzes information from the sniffed packets to build a topology of network devices and services that are active on the network. In addition, the passive scanner analyzes the information to detect vulnerabilities in network devices and services. Finally, the passive scanner prepares a report containing the detected vulnerabilities and the topology when it observes a minimum number of sessions. Because the passive scanner operates passively, it may operate continuously without burdening the network. Similarly, it also may obtain information regarding client-side and server side vulnerabilities.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.