Reconnaissance tools are specialized software or utilities used in the initial phase of a cyberattack to gather information about a target system, network, or organization. These tools help attackers identify vulnerabilities, open ports, running services, and other exploitable information without alerting the target. Common reconnaissance tools include network scanners, vulnerability scanners, and information-gathering utilities like Nmap, Shodan, and Maltego. While often used by malicious actors, cybersecurity professionals also employ these tools for penetration testing and security assessments to strengthen defenses. Effective reconnaissance is crucial for planning further attack strategies or for defending against potential threats.