What is a port scanner and how is it used in hacking?

What is a port scanner and how is it used in hacking?

A port scanner is a tool used in ethical hacking to identify open ports on a target system. It works by sending network requests to various ports on the target system and analyzing the responses received. By identifying open ports, a hacker can gain information about the services running on the target system and potentially exploit any vulnerabilities associated with those services. Port scanners are used in hacking to gather information about a target system's network configuration, identify potential entry points, and plan further attacks.