NMap is a network scanning utility that is in the top 5, or at least top 20 list for most valuable utility for almost every network administrator, security consultant, or casual ’security researcher’. Originally written by Gordon Lyon, aka “Fyodor”, NMap has existed as one of the most used tools- commercial and open source included- for more than a decade.

NMap users have also been lucky in that NMap is one of the best, if not the best, maintained open source projects out there. The software is constantly revised and updated to include the latest cutting edge features and functions. More importantly, the documentation and support available online is extensive.

Why then, you might ask, should you spend money on this book? Well, truth be told if you’re trying to decide between groceries or this book, or filling your gas tank and this book- get the gas and groceries and refer to the free online resources. But, if you can spare the $50 it will be money well spent- plus it helps give a little back to “Fyodor” who has given so much to us- the networking and security field at large.

If financially supporting the person who developed this brilliant utility is not sufficient motivation, the book contains additional information you won’t find online. Not only does the book cover every type of scan and assessment you can possibly execute with NMap, it also provides some background explanation for why “Fyodor” chose to design it the way he did, and a complete chapter dedicated to the NMap Scripting Engine (NSE).

If you work in IT, odds are good that you have used this tool. If you haven’t, you probably should have been. NMap is simply a required tool in the IT toolbox. Similarly, this book is required reading for anyone in IT to get the most out of that tool. Spend the $50. You won’t regret it. Rating: 5 / 5

As others have said much better than I can, this is an amazing book.

It covers pretty much everything about nmap and gives excellent descriptions of the many scans you can perform. The best part is that it is not rehashed man page information, but he explains what is going on under the hood. This makes the book invaluable as a reference.

There are several amusing stories about nmap usage, the story is priceless and absolutely stunning! The only confusing part is the warnings about scanning without permission, yet seems to do it throughout the book. The [...] scan story was a hoot but I doubt he had permission to do that.

This book is a must for all network and security students and professionals. Rating: 5 / 5

Even if you don’t use Nmap every day, you have to have this exceptional in-depth material. You will learn how NMAP really works and much more about network security, port scanning, etc. Also, by buying this book you support the author, Mr. “Fyodor” Lyon, who dedicated so much time creating this wonderful tool for free. Thank God for people like him, the creators of Wireshark and other awesome open source tools. Absolutely recommended! Rating: 5 / 5

What can be said, really? The definitive manual/guide for Nmap, written by the developer. A stellar bit of documentation for an equally stellar application. I thought I was reasonably

adept at utilizing Nmap for my Network Administration and Security scanning needs. I was wrong.

A GREAT BOOK! Buy it! Rating: 5 / 5

I have used NMAP for a few years, but it has not been a part of my daily tool set. The tool was always good, but I did not understand all of the switches and how to make it do what I really wanted. Reading this book has helped change that. The hands on approach of walking the reader through the commands and showing what results should be expected was very helpful.

This book gives you a very in-depth look at what the tool can do and how you can use it to gather the information you need. The examples in the book are excellent sources of reference.

I would recommend this book for anyone in the Networking and Network Security fields who wants to better serve their clients and make their jobs easier. Rating: 5 / 5