Nmap vs ShadowSecurityScanner

Nmap is a free, open-source utility for discovering networks and auditing security. It uses raw IP packets to identify available hosts, services and versions, operating systems, and packet filters or firewalls. Scanning options include TCP and UDP ports, OS and version detection, and ping sweeps. Network administrators can use it to inventory systems, plan service upgrades, and monitor host or service uptime. The Nmap Scripting Engine runs bundled or user-written scripts in parallel for networking tasks such as discovery and vulnerability checks. The suite also includes Zenmap, a graphical interface and results viewer; Ncat for data transfer and debugging; Ndiff for comparing scan results; and Nping for packet generation and response analysis. Most port-scan types require privileged access to send and receive raw packets, although unprivileged users can run connect and FTP bounce scans. Nmap is not a comprehensive vulnerability scanner. End-user use is free, but redistribution in commercial products requires an OEM license. Quarterly OEM licenses start at $9,980.00 per 3 months for eligible small or startup companies.

ShadowSecurityScanner is a free, open-source desktop tool for penetration testing and network vulnerability scanning on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It scans network hosts, servers, web applications, and network appliances using port checks, service and operating-system fingerprinting, and thousands of active security tests. Findings receive FIRST.org EPSS scores and are checked against the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Scan comparisons identify findings that are new, regressed, or resolved. Reports can be exported as PDF, HTML, SARIF, XML, or CSV, with SARIF described as suitable for GitHub code scanning. A signed update feed refreshes the audit catalog with daily CISA KEV updates, Nuclei, and curated advisories. The application runs locally, stores its database in the user profile, and has no cloud component or telemetry. It is distributed as one self-contained app, without agents or a database server. Listed requirements include Windows 10/11, macOS 11 or later on Apple Silicon, and Linux x64 or ARM64. Use is limited to authorized testing; denial-of-service tests are excluded.