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I don't know if it's still called that but essentially you know if you're not familiar with showan it's like Google but for Internet connected stuff Cloud resources webcams security cameras uh whatever ends up on the Internet ends up in showan and it fingerprints it it looks to identify what type of service maybe manufacturer what operating systems Etc and you can go there and you can look for specific versions of os Hardware uh applications that you know are vulnerable and you can search for it just as easily as you would search for an answer from Google so this information is getting in the hands of like the black hats to White hats to gray hats to everybody like you said it's been democratized uh because previously to do what showan does now so easily would require that you have a you've developed the skill set to do that maybe build scripts and then parse through the data and it was not easy and it was not trivial now that it is easy and trivial so that's you know showan sensus is another SE Cen Sy uh similar but I think they're starting to put up a pay wall for some of their stuff uh and to a a lesser extent quickly becoming a greater extent chat GPT uh this is going to be leveraged much the same way showan was you know it's it's going to go and while showan finds the devices I imagine chat GPT is going to then uh provide context around well when was this patch released and what specific versions and maybe what was fixed.

 

Highlights:

1. Shodan: The Google for Internet-Connected Devices:

   • Shodan's ability to index and categorize Internet-connected devices has transformed the cybersecurity landscape.
   • Users can easily search for specific versions of operating systems, hardware, and applications, enabling both white-hat and black-hat hackers to identify potential vulnerabilities.

2. Democratization of Cybersecurity Information:

   • Shodan has democratized access to cybersecurity information, leveling the playing field for security researchers, hackers, and organizations alike.
   • Previously complex tasks, such as scanning the Internet for vulnerabilities, are now accessible to individuals with varying skill levels, thanks to Shodan's user-friendly interface.

3. Shodan Census and Paywall Implementation:

   • Shodan Census represents the next evolution of Shodan, providing even deeper insights into Internet-connected devices and their characteristics.
   • While Shodan initially offered free access to its data, recent trends indicate a shift towards implementing paywalls for certain features, raising questions about data accessibility and affordability.

4. The Role of Chat GPT in Cybersecurity Contextualization:

   • Chat GPT, an AI-powered language model, is poised to revolutionize cybersecurity contextualization by providing real-time analysis and insights.
   • Leveraging Chat GPT's capabilities, cybersecurity professionals can extract valuable information from Shodan data, such as patch release dates, version details, and vulnerability fixes.

5. Implications for Cybersecurity:

   • The convergence of Shodan, Shodan Census, and AI-driven tools like Chat GPT heralds a new era in cybersecurity intelligence and analysis.
   • While these advancements offer unprecedented insights, they also raise concerns about data privacy, ethical use, and the potential for malicious exploitation.

 

Shodan's emergence as the go-to platform for Internet-connected device discovery has transformed the cybersecurity landscape, democratizing access to critical information and insights. With the advent of Shodan Census and the integration of AI-driven tools like Chat GPT, cybersecurity professionals are equipped with powerful capabilities to contextualize and analyze cybersecurity data like never before. However, as these technologies evolve, it is imperative to address concerns surrounding data privacy, ethical use, and responsible stewardship of cybersecurity intelligence. By leveraging these advancements responsibly, we can harness the full potential of Shodan and AI to enhance cybersecurity resilience and safeguard digital assets against emerging threats.

 

Chris Ray, a seasoned professional in the cybersecurity field, brings a wealth of experience from small teams to large financial institutions, as well as industries such as healthcare, financials, and tech. He has acquired an extensive amount of experience advising and consulting with security vendors, helping them find product-market fit as well as deliver cyber security services.

Bikash Barai is credited for several innovations in the domain of Network Security and Anti-Spam Technologies and has multiple patents in USPTO. Fortune recognized Bikash among India’s Top 40 Business Leaders under the age of 40 (Fortune 40-under-40).Bikash is also an active speaker and has spoken at various forums like TiE, RSA Conference USA, TEDx etc.

Earlier he founded iViZ an IDG Ventures-backed company that was later acquired by Cigital and now Synopsys. iViZ was the first company in the world to take Ethical Hacking (or Penetration Testing) to
the cloud.

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