Shodan API
Internet-connected host and service search API.
- reviewed
- Apr 24, 2026
How this source is shaped
Commercially valuable but sensitive. Useful for defensive asset exposure, but needs strict boundaries to avoid becoming offensive reconnaissance tooling.
- Source type
- Security Intel
- Access model
- Freemium
- Pricing model
- Account/API Key Required; Paid Tiers For Serious Use
- API available
- Yes
- Requires account
- Yes
- Risk level
- Restricted
- Sensitivity
- Highly Sensitive
Review dimensions
Each dimension is graded on a 0–10 scale. The overall score is a weighted aggregate.
Weighted aggregate across the eight review dimensions.
Where this source fits
What analysts use it for, and — just as important — where it does not belong.
- asset_exposure
- defensive_security_review
- internet_service_discovery
- security_teams
- asset_owners
- researchers
- unauthorized_targeting
- offensive_reconnaissance_guides
- exploit_workflows
Editorial take
Our qualitative read on the source — tone, framing and trust posture.
Good future premium feature, not the first thing to expose publicly.
Ethics and compliance
Access, licensing and sensitive-data considerations for this source.
Avoid workflows that help target third-party infrastructure. No exploit chaining, no offensive instructions.
Terms, authorization model and acceptable use policy must be reviewed before enabling.