Nmap is primarily categorized as which type of tool?

Nmap is primarily classified as a port scanning tool because its main functionality revolves around discovering open ports on networked devices. This capability is fundamental for assessing the security posture of a network, as open ports can potentially expose services that may be vulnerable to exploitation. Through this scanning process, Nmap provides detailed information on what services are running on those ports, allowing security professionals to identify potential points of entry for unauthorized access.

While Nmap can be used in conjunction with other security assessments, such as network vulnerability scanning and protocol analysis, its primary design and core function focus on the discovery and enumeration of network services by examining which ports are open or closed. This makes it essential in the early phases of any security assessment or penetration testing engagement, where understanding the network's exposure is critical for further analysis or attack simulations.