What tool is commonly used for network mapping and security auditing?

The correct choice, NMAP, is widely recognized for its capability in network mapping and security auditing. NMAP, which stands for Network Mapper, is a powerful open-source tool that allows users to discover hosts and services on a computer network by sending packets and analyzing the responses. Through network discovery, NMAP can identify devices on a network, the operating systems they are running, and the services they offer. This deep visibility is critical for assessing network security and identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.

NMAP’s versatility also allows it to be used for various types of audits, including checking for open ports, determining the presence of firewalls, and assessing the network layout. Its extensive features and scripting capabilities make it a go-to tool for network administrators and security professionals who seek to enhance their network security posture.

Other tools mentioned also serve important roles in cybersecurity, but they focus on different aspects. Nessus is primarily a vulnerability scanner used for detecting security vulnerabilities in systems and applications, while Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer focuses on assessing security configurations against Microsoft best practices. Netstat, on the other hand, is a command-line tool that provides information about network connections, routing tables, interface statistics, and more, but it lacks the comprehensive scanning and mapping capabilities