Discovering IoT devices with Shodan is an essential skill for cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and network administrators. Shodan, often referred to as the “search engine for hackers,” allows users to find internet-connected devices, including webcams, routers, industrial control systems, and smart home devices. Understanding how to leverage Shodan effectively can help identify security vulnerabilities, analyze network exposures, and improve overall cybersecurity defenses.
What is Shodan?
Shodan is a specialized search engine that scans the internet for connected devices and publicly available services. Unlike Google, which indexes websites, Shodan indexes devices based on their open ports, services, and metadata. It collects data from devices such as:
- Industrial control systems (ICS) – SCADA systems, power grids, and water treatment plants.
- Webcams and security cameras – Publicly accessible surveillance systems.
- Routers and firewalls – Home and enterprise networking equipment.
- Smart home devices – IoT devices like thermostats, smart TVs, and doorbells.
- Databases and cloud services – Exposed MongoDB, Elasticsearch, and AWS buckets.
By using Shodan, cybersecurity professionals can assess risks, monitor exposed devices, and detect potential security threats before they are exploited.
Setting Up a Shodan Account
To start using Shodan, follow these steps:
- Create an Account
- Visit Shodan.io and sign up for a free or premium account.
- Free accounts have limited search capabilities, while paid plans offer advanced features.
- Obtain an API Key
- Once registered, navigate to your account settings to find your Shodan API key.
- The API key allows you to automate searches and integrate Shodan into scripts.
- Explore the Web Interface
- Use the Shodan search bar to look up specific IPs, domains, or keywords.
- Explore the Shodan Maps section to view devices by location.
How to Discover IoT Devices with Shodan
1. Basic Search Queries
The simplest way to find IoT devices is by searching for specific device types or manufacturers.
Example Queries:
- Find all webcams:
camera
- Search for Cisco routers:
Cisco
- Discover open FTP servers:
port:21
- Find vulnerable devices running Telnet:
port:23
- Search for industrial control systems (SCADA):
SCADA
2. Filtering Results for More Accurate Discovery
Shodan allows users to refine searches using various filters:
- Country Filter: Limit searches by country
country:US
- City Filter: Find devices in a specific city
city:"New York"
- Organization Filter: Search for devices owned by a company
org:"Google"
- IP Range Filter: Target a specific IP range
net:192.168.1.0/24
- Operating System Filter: Find devices running a specific OS
os:"Windows 10"
3. Finding Vulnerable IoT Devices
Shodan indexes known vulnerabilities and CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) data. To find potentially vulnerable devices, use the vuln filter.
Example Queries:
- Find devices vulnerable to Heartbleed:
vuln:CVE-2014-0160
- Search for IoT devices with default passwords:
"default password"
- Identify unsecured MongoDB databases:
product:"MongoDB" port:27017
4. Using Shodan CLI for Advanced Searches
Shodan provides a command-line interface (CLI) for users who prefer automation and scripting.
Steps to Install Shodan CLI:
- Install Python if not already installed.
- Install Shodan CLI using pip:
pip install shodan
- Authenticate using your API key:
shodan init YOUR_API_KEY
- Perform searches via CLI:
shodan search "webcam"
5. Monitoring IoT Devices with Shodan Alerts
Shodan Alerts allow users to monitor specific IP addresses or networks for security threats.
Steps to Create an Alert:
- Log in to your Shodan account.
- Navigate to Alerts > Create Alert.
- Enter the IP range or network you want to monitor.
- Set up email notifications for new findings.
6. Automating IoT Discovery with Shodan API
The Shodan API allows developers to integrate IoT discovery into security tools.
Example Python Script:
import shodan<br><br>API_KEY = "YOUR_API_KEY"<br>shodan_api = shodan.Shodan(API_KEY)<br><br>try:<br> results = shodan_api.search("webcam")<br> for result in results['matches']:<br> print(result['ip_str'])<br>except shodan.APIError as e:<br> print(f"Error: {e}")<br>
This script fetches a list of IPs hosting webcams and prints them.
Why Use Shodan for IoT Security?
Shodan is a powerful tool for:
- Ethical hacking – Identify and fix vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them.
- Network security audits – Assess how many devices in your organization are exposed.
- Threat intelligence – Detect botnets and malicious servers.
- Penetration testing – Simulate cyberattacks to strengthen defenses.
- Incident response – Quickly identify compromised devices in case of a breach.
Best Practices for Using Shodan Responsibly
While Shodan is a legitimate tool, improper use can violate privacy and legal guidelines.
- Do not access unauthorized devices – Even if they are publicly exposed, unauthorized access is illegal.
- Use it for security research – Ensure compliance with laws and corporate policies.
- Secure your own IoT devices – Check your network to ensure no unintended exposure.
- Regularly update devices – Patch firmware and software to reduce vulnerabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Discovering IoT Devices with Shodan
What is Shodan and how does it work?
Shodan is a search engine that scans the internet for connected devices, including IoT devices, industrial control systems, webcams, and more. Unlike traditional search engines that index websites, Shodan indexes devices based on their open ports, services, and metadata. Security professionals use Shodan to identify vulnerabilities and assess network exposures.
How can I search for IoT devices using Shodan?
You can search for IoT devices on Shodan by entering relevant queries. For example, to find webcams, type camera in the search bar. To filter results, use operators like country:US to narrow searches by country or port:80 to find devices running web services.
What are some useful Shodan search filters?
Shodan provides various filters to refine searches, including:
– port: Filter by open ports (e.g., port:22 for SSH).
– country: Restrict results to a specific country (e.g., country:GB).
– org: Search by organization (e.g., org:Microsoft).
– product: Look for specific technologies (e.g., product:"MongoDB").
These filters help narrow down results and improve search efficiency.
How can I use the Shodan API for IoT discovery?
The Shodan API allows users to automate searches and integrate Shodan into security tools. First, obtain an API key by creating an account on Shodan. Then, use the Shodan Python library with commands like:
shodan search "webcam".
Developers can write scripts to monitor networks, analyze vulnerabilities, and enhance cybersecurity research.
Is using Shodan legal and ethical?
Yes, Shodan is a legal tool used by cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and ethical hackers for security assessments. However, accessing unauthorized systems or exploiting vulnerabilities is illegal. It is important to use Shodan responsibly, adhere to privacy laws, and ensure compliance with ethical guidelines when analyzing IoT devices.
