Agent skill · security · aiskillstore
network-netcat
Network utility for reading and writing data across TCP/UDP connections, port scanning, file transfers, and backdoor communication channels. Use when: (1) Testing network connectivity and port availability, (2) Creating reverse shells and bind shells for authorized penetration testing, (3) Transferring files between systems in restricted environments, (4) Banner grabbing and service enumeration, (5) Establishing covert communication channels, (6) Testing firewall rules and network segmentation.
Why this skill is useful
Provides specific commands and workflows for using netcat in penetration testing scenarios that the AI wouldn't reliably generate on its own.
What it needs
Requires ncat, netcat installed locally. About 8k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2026-08-07. 405 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
Netcat Network Utility Overview Netcat (nc) is the "Swiss Army knife" of networking tools, providing simple Unix utility for reading and writing data across network connections. This skill covers authorized offensive security applications including reverse shells, bind shells, file transfers, port scanning, and banner grabbing. IMPORTANT: Netcat capabilities can be used maliciously. Only use these techniques in authorized penetration testing environments with proper written permission. Quick Start Basic connection and listening: Core Workflow Netcat Operations Workflow Progress: [ ] 1. Verify authorization for network testing [ ] 2. Test basic connectivity and port availability [ ] 3. Perform banner grabbing and service enumeration [ ] 4. Establish reverse or bind shells (if authorized) [ ] 5. Transfer files between systems [ ] 6. Create relay and pivot connections [ ] 7. Document findings and clean up connections [ ] 8. Remove any backdoors or persistence mechanisms Work through each step systematically. Check off completed items. 1. Authorization Verification CRITICAL: Before any netcat operations: Confirm written authorization for network testing Verify in-scope targets and allowed activities Understand restrictions on shell access and data exfiltration Document emergency contact procedures Confirm cleanup requirements post-engagement 2. Basic Connectivity Testing Test network connectivity and port availability: Connection test results: Connection succeeded: Port is open and accepting connections Connection refused: Port is closed Connection timeout: Port is filtered by firewall or no response 3. Banner Grabbing Extract service banner information: Service-specific banner grabbing: 4. Port Scanning Simple port scanning (note: nmap is more comprehensive): Limitations of netcat port scanning: Slower than dedicated port scanners Limited stealth capabilities No service version detection Better for quick ad-hoc testing 5. …
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills aiskillstore/network-netcat