# John Matherly

> computer programmer and founder of the Shodan search engine

**Wikidata**: [Q108430273](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108430273)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/john-matherly

## Summary
John Matherly is a computer programmer and the founder of the Shodan search engine, a platform that indexes internet-connected devices and provides search functionality for them.

## Biography
- Born: [date and place not specified]
- Nationality: [country not specified]
- Education: Bachelor of Science, University of California, San Diego (2002–2007)
- Known for: Creating the Shodan search engine
- Employer(s): Founder of Shodan
- Field(s): Cybersecurity, internet infrastructure

## Contributions
John Matherly founded Shodan in 2009, a search engine that indexes internet-connected devices, such as webcams, routers, and industrial control systems. Shodan allows users to search for these devices by various criteria, including IP addresses, ports, and vulnerabilities. The platform has been widely used by security researchers, cybersecurity professionals, and developers to study the exposed internet. Matherly’s work has raised awareness about the security risks posed by unsecured internet-connected devices and has influenced discussions on internet infrastructure transparency.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Shodan, and who founded it?
A: Shodan is a search engine that indexes internet-connected devices, founded by John Matherly in 2009.

### Q: What kind of devices does Shodan index?
A: Shodan indexes devices such as webcams, routers, and industrial control systems that are exposed on the internet.

### Q: How has Shodan influenced cybersecurity?
A: Shodan has raised awareness about the security risks of unsecured internet-connected devices and has been used by researchers to study internet infrastructure.

### Q: What is John Matherly’s educational background?
A: John Matherly holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, San Diego, graduating in 2007.

### Q: What other online platforms does John Matherly use?
A: John Matherly is active on Twitter (@achillean), GitHub (achillean), Reddit (achillean), and Keybase (achillean).

## Why They Matter
John Matherly’s creation of Shodan has had a significant impact on cybersecurity and internet infrastructure transparency. By indexing exposed devices, Shodan has enabled researchers, security professionals, and developers to identify vulnerabilities and study the internet’s exposed infrastructure. Matherly’s work has contributed to discussions on internet security, privacy, and the risks of unsecured devices. Without Shodan, the visibility of internet-connected devices and their security risks would be far less accessible.

## Notable For
- Founded Shodan, a search engine for internet-connected devices (2009)
- Raised awareness about the security risks of exposed internet infrastructure
- Influenced discussions on internet transparency and cybersecurity
- Holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, San Diego
- Active on multiple online platforms, including Twitter, GitHub, and Keybase

## Body
### Early Life and Education
John Matherly earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, San Diego, graduating in 2007. His educational background in computer science laid the foundation for his work in internet infrastructure and cybersecurity.

### Founding Shodan
In 2009, Matherly founded Shodan, a search engine designed to index internet-connected devices. Shodan allows users to search for devices such as webcams, routers, and industrial control systems by various criteria, including IP addresses, ports, and vulnerabilities. The platform has been widely used by security researchers, cybersecurity professionals, and developers to study the exposed internet.

### Impact on Cybersecurity
Shodan’s creation has had a significant impact on cybersecurity by raising awareness about the security risks posed by unsecured internet-connected devices. The platform has been used to identify vulnerabilities, study internet infrastructure, and influence discussions on internet transparency. Matherly’s work has contributed to broader conversations about internet security and privacy.

### Online Presence
John Matherly is active on multiple online platforms, including Twitter (@achillean), GitHub (achillean), Reddit (achillean), and Keybase (achillean). His presence on these platforms reflects his engagement with the tech community and his contributions to open-source projects and cybersecurity discussions.

## References

1. LinkedIn
2. [Source](https://news.ycombinator.com/user?id=achillean)
3. [Source](https://keybase.io/achillean#show-public)