What is meant by port scanning?

Port scanning refers to the act of probing a system to identify open ports and services available on a networked device. This process involves sending packets to specific ports on a target system and analyzing the responses received. Open ports can indicate services that are running and can provide potential entry points for an attacker or be used by an administrator to assess the security of a system.

Understanding port scanning is crucial in cybersecurity because it reveals the exposure of a system to the network, helping security professionals identify vulnerabilities. By knowing which ports are open, one can take appropriate action to secure those ports, configure firewalls, and protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.

The other options do not accurately describe port scanning; they focus on unrelated functions like securing network access, transferring data, or monitoring internet activity.