What does Nmap primarily do?

Nmap, or Network Mapper, is a powerful network scanning tool primarily used for mapping out the network environment and gathering information about hosts within that network. This includes identifying live hosts, scanning for open ports, discovering services running on those ports, and gathering various details about the operating systems and configurations of the devices present on the network.

By using Nmap, a security professional or network administrator can develop a clear understanding of the network topology and the security posture of different hosts. This capability is essential for conducting security assessments, managing resources, and identifying potential vulnerabilities that may need to be addressed.

In contrast, other options entail different functionalities unrelated to Nmap's core purpose. Blocking malware refers to different security solutions like antivirus software or firewalls. Managing user access pertains to identity and access management systems, which are not within the scope of Nmap's features. Lastly, packet capturing and analyzing is typically performed using tools specifically designed for that purpose, such as Wireshark, rather than Nmap, which focuses on network discovery and mapping.