> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.blinkops.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Shodan

> Shodan is a search engine that lets users search for various types of servers connected to the internet using a variety of filters. Some have also described it as a search engine of service banners, which are metadata that the server sends back to the client.

## Creating a Shodan connection[​](#creating-a-shodan-connection "Direct link to Creating a Shodan connection")

## Using API Key[​](#using-api-key "Direct link to Using API Key")

To create the connection you need:

* An API Key

### Obtaining the credentials[​](#obtaining-the-credentials "Direct link to Obtaining the credentials")

To retrieve your Shodan API key, navigate to [Shodan's developer page](https://developer.shodan.io/) and click on *Show API Key* at the top right corner.

### Creating your connection[​](#creating-your-connection "Direct link to Creating your connection")

1. In the Blink platform, navigate to the **Connections** page > **Add connection**. A New Connection dialog box opens displaying icons of external service providers available.
2. Select the **Shodan** icon. A dialog box with name of the connection and connection methods appear.
3. (Optional) Edit the name of the connection. At a later stage you cannot edit the name.
4. Select **API Key** as the method to create the connection.
5. Fill in the parameters:
   * The API Key
6. (Optional) Click **Test Connection** to test it.
7. Click **Create connection**. The new connection appears on the **Connections** page.