Shodan Exposed Device SearchStep-by-step reference: search Internet-connected devices, open ports, and exposed IoT assets with Shodan. Educational purposes only.FAQ

What is Shodan?

Shodan is a search engine designed for Internet-connected devices. Unlike standard search engines that crawl web pages, Shodan indexes service banners returned by servers, webcams, IoT gadgets, routers, and industrial control systems across IPv4 and IPv6.

Is using Shodan legal?

Yes, searching and viewing indexed data on Shodan is legal because it is publicly collected information. However, attempting to authenticate, access, or exploit any discovered devices without explicit written authorization is illegal under computer crime laws.

How does Shodan find devices?

Shodan runs continuous distributed port scanners 24/7 across the global IP address space. When a host responds on an open port, Shodan records its service banner, SSL certificate metadata, and response headers into its index.

What are common search filters in Shodan?

Key filters include `port:` (e.g., port:23 for Telnet), `product:` (e.g., product:"Apache"), `city:` or `country:`, `org:` (organization/ISP), `os:` (operating system), and `vuln:` (specific CVE vulnerabilities).

What do attackers typically look for on Shodan?

Attackers search for unauthenticated databases (MongoDB on port 27017, Elasticsearch on 9200), unsecured IP cameras, exposed remote desktop (RDP on 3389), open Telnet routers with default passwords, and unpatched known CVEs.

How can device owners protect their hardware from being discovered on Shodan?

Change default factory credentials immediately, disable remote administration features (like WAN-facing web/Telnet/SSH interfaces), disable Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) on your router, place services behind a firewall/VPN, and keep firmware updated.

Can I check if my own public IP is on Shodan?

Yes. You can search your public IP address directly in Shodan (e.g., `shodan host <your-ip>`) or run a query using `net:<your-subnet>` to audit your organization's external exposure.

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