What does nmap primarily help security analysts to identify?

Nmap, or Network Mapper, is a powerful open-source tool primarily used for network discovery and security auditing. Its core functionality revolves around identifying open ports on devices within a network and the services that are running on those ports. By doing so, security analysts can gain critical insights into the state of the network, including:

1. Identifying Vulnerabilities: Open ports can indicate potential vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit. Knowing which ports are open helps analysts assess the security posture of systems and apply necessary controls.

2. Assessing Network Configuration: Understanding which services are running on identified ports helps analysts determine whether the network configuration aligns with the security policies in place. This can reveal misconfigurations or unauthorized services that may pose security risks.

3. Mapping Network Topology: By scanning a network, Nmap can provide a detailed map of how devices are interconnected, which is invaluable for both security assessments and network troubleshooting.

4. Detecting Unmanaged Devices: Nmap can help reveal devices on the network that may not be properly managed or authenticated, thereby helping to enforce better network governance.

In contrast, total bandwidth usage, user access logs, and network hardware specifications do not fall within Nmap’s primary capabilities. Bandwidth