Regularly, a wide range of services and individuals collect information about all your assets accessible over the Internet. These include threat intelligence services, search engine providers for port and service information, cybersecurity services, researchers, and even cyber attackers. The collected information, which is mostly available to everyone, can be utilized for various purposes, serving as a valuable resource in the digital landscape.

Cyber attackers possess the ability to swiftly scan an extensive number of websites and IP addresses using readily available open-source software. Furthermore, they can effortlessly retrieve desired data within seconds through the utilization of online services that record IP, port, and service information. As a consequence, any vulnerability present in an application or service is promptly detected and exploited by these cyber attackers within a matter of hours. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the potential types of information that can be collected about your online assets and take steps to minimize the amount of this information. By doing so, you can effectively mitigate your risks and enhance the security of your digital presence.

Informational vulnerabilities are usually graded as low-severity. Although the findings in the informational category are not considered vulnerabilities, they encompass findings that have the potential to lead to vulnerability and exploitation. It is important to note that findings falling under this category should be concealed whenever possible, as they may not be necessary for immediate action but could still pose risks if left unaddressed. It is a good practice to implement precautions against informational vulnerabilities, as they can potentially contribute to the severity of other vulnerabilities.

Just like in penetration (security) testing, the initial step in a targeted attack involves gathering comprehensive information. By collecting detailed information about your assets, you increase the probability of launching a successful cyberattack. This meticulous approach ensures that you have a comprehensive understanding of the target environment, vulnerabilities, and potential entry points, enabling you to execute a precise and effective attack strategy.

For instance, if the software version of the web service (let's say Apache2.1) is found out by the attackers, they can attack your system by only investigating the vulnerabilities of the relevant version. Furthermore, the collected information about your assets can be used in many areas, from vulnerability detection to phishing attacks. Therefore, understanding what kind of information about your assets can be collected in a targeted attack helps you analyze the risks accurately.

Information discovery tools cover many scans, from application usage detection to default pages, accessible ports, open services, email addresses detection, etc.

Outputs of information discovery tools rarely create vulnerabilities on their own. However, it is recommended to take action for findings with high-risk scores. That means; the less information you provide, the safer you are. In this context, it is recommended to perform the necessary hardening process.

The Top 20 Informational Scanning Tools

The Top 20 informational scanning tools that is used by our members:

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