Open-Source Utility Tools Used to Attack Vulnerable TCP Ports

Free and open-source utility tools can conduct network discovery, vulnerability scanning, and password cracking. Send Internet Protocol (IP) packets and analyze responses that probe innocent individuals' computer networks to scan ports by pinging using utility tools.

Nmap (network mapper) is a port scan tool that can use different operating systems (OS), which probes a computer network, hosting discovery, service, and operating system detection (Nmap, n.d.). The use of Nmap provides and an attacker with a map of an individual's network. Nmap only needs an IP address to ping IP packets and determine if ports are filtered, closed, and open for malicious hackers to exploit. Nmap uses transport layer protocols to send messages: user datagram protocol (UDP), internet control message protocol (ICMP), transmission control protocol (TCP), and stream control transmission protocol (SCTP).

Hydra is a network login password cracking utility tool used to find weak passwords in a computer network. Hydra can also carry out brute force, dictionary, hybrid, and password spraying attacks. A brute force attack by Hydra consists of a barrage of password logins that guesses passwords. Most websites use well-designed password authentication systems which hash a password. A file hash is the output of a hashing algorithm that takes data and runs a complex calculation—outputting a fixed-length string resulting in a file's hash value. However, the threat of OS attacks by malicious utility tools is always a serious potential problem for any user.

IT departments and intermediate computer users combat malicious network attacks with honeypots, honeynets, and honey; bait systems on a network that confuses, monitors, and tracks attackers and spammers while identifying new worms (Kaspersky, 2021). For basic users, the easiest ways to protect a computer from cyber-attacks is by limiting access to specific information and systems, regularly updating OS and software, changing administrative passwords on new devices, installing and activating firewalls, and setting the Wi-Fi router to use Wi-Fi protected access 2 (WPA-2).

Securing a network by implementing simple procedures can deter attackers with malicious intent. The most important way to avoid Nmap or Hydra ping attacks is to configure the firewalls properly, add filters to the router, install network monitoring software that alerts unordinary traffic patterns, and regularly scan a network for open ports. Lastly, when disposing of a computer, remember to delete all sensitive data before trashing or donating it.