Cybersecurity Tool for Beginner Security Analysts
- URLScan
In the digital universe, websites are both a beacon of information and a potential hazard. Ever thought about the convenience of sizing up a website's content without the need to visit the site itself, sidestepping the risk of compromising your computer? Well, that's no longer a mere wish. Today, I'm thrilled to shine the spotlight on a cybersecurity gem: URLScan — your go-to tool for scanning websites from a safe distance. Here's why it deserves pride of place in your bookmarks.
What is UrlScan? To recognize a webpage, the universal resource locator (URL) is supported. If a website is registered, the details are saved on the server. When a client searches for a webpage, the server retrieves the data from the database. If the website is not registered, an error number is displayed. In threat intelligence, this is one of the most significant analyses. It is difficult to locate the actual website of the sought organization. If you look for a firm website, you may come across many webpages; how do you know which one is the legitimate one? Some people are unaware of domain squatting, brand impersonation, and the upload of personal information, which poses an issue.
Getting to Grips with URLScan
It is a free security application that scans and analyses websites to lessen the risk of internet threats. It's also an automated technique for tracking website activities and interactions. The record includes the domain name, the IP address requested and contacted, a screenshot of the website, and other meta data about it.
Once the URL is input, it searches for and retrieves information about the website. The scan results offer a wealth of information on the website, including a summary, HTTP, redirects, links, behaviour, and indicators.
URLScan is not only about giving you peace of mind; it lets you sneak a peek at websites as if you had visited them, minus the digital footprints. So, imagine someone sends you a link whispering, "Click this”. Curiosity piqued, but alarm bells ringing? Fret not. Let URLScan be your fearless explorer, returning with a screenshot of what lies behind that link.
Ready to Dive into the Interface? It's easier than you might think.
How It Works?
Turn on your machine and light up that web browser—Chrome, Firefox, Edge—you name it. It's time to key in the magic words: `urlscan.io`. Welcome aboard the home page, the command center where cybernauts commune. Public scans unfold here, every 10 seconds, a testament to the bustling activity of the community.
Click here to visit the page.
This website offers two pages. One page contains Recent Scans, while the other contains Live Scans. It updates automatically after each scan.
But wait, before setting sail, let's fine-tune your expedition:
- Visibility: Share your discoveries with the world (Public), or go incognito with Private Scans.
- Country Selection: Choose where your scans emanate from; let it be a surprise or pick a locale.
- User Agent and HTTP Referer: Going undercover? Customize these to your stealthy specs.
Live Scan
Let’s start the scan to know more about it. Here I'm going to Use https://cybersecmore.blogspot.com/ as an Example
Once you enter the URL, click on the 'Public Scan' option to start the scan. It takes a few seconds to gather the information. If the URL has already been registered, then it will show a message like the screenshot below.
If the url wasn’t registered then it’ll show an
error message like the screenshot below.
Scan Report
Once the scan is complete, it provides numerous information about the url as mentioned earlier.
Summary
It provides general information about the url like ip address, domain information, page history and website of url.
HTTP
It provides the http connections done by the scanner, with information of data sent and received.
Redirect
It shows information about any HTTP redirects on the site. Here, we don't have any redirect requests.
Link
It provides all the outgoing links from the website.
Behaviour
It provides information about the variables and cookies initiated on the site. It's really helpful for developing the site.
Indicators
It lists all IPs, domains and hashes interconnected with the site.
You could try using this tool more to grasp further.
Remember, in the world of cybersecurity, knowledge is not just power; it’s protection. Start your journey with URLScan, and arm yourself with the tools to navigate the cyber seas wisely.
By keeping a friendly and helpful tone throughout the post, using simple terminology, and engaging directly with the reader, we aim to mirror the transcript's approach to information delivery. The formatting and visual prompts encourage reader interaction and make complex concepts more approachable.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe!
