What is the main function of the nmap tool?

The primary function of the nmap tool is network mapping for security assessment. Nmap, short for Network Mapper, is widely used for discovering hosts and services on a computer network. It works by sending packets to specified targets and analyzing the responses to determine operational status, open ports, services, and even the operating system of available devices. Such capabilities allow security professionals to assess the security posture of a network by identifying active devices and their vulnerabilities, thereby assisting in vulnerability management and incident response planning.

Other functions listed, such as data encryption, vulnerability scanning of hardware, and password recovery, do not align with nmap's intended use. While nmap can indirectly aid in identifying vulnerabilities, it does not perform vulnerability scanning in the same comprehensive manner as dedicated vulnerability scanning tools. Similarly, nmap does not handle data encryption or password recovery tasks, which require different specialized tools and approaches.