What is the primary function of a port scanner?

The primary function of a port scanner is to search for open ports on a network host. This tool allows security professionals and network administrators to identify which ports are accepting connections and what services are running on those ports. Open ports can indicate vulnerable services that may be exploited by attackers, highlighting the importance of performing regular scans to assess the security posture of systems and networks.

Identifying open ports provides insight into the network's accessible protocols and services, facilitating better security assessments, compliance audits, and the implementation of necessary controls. Additionally, understanding which ports are open can help in troubleshooting network issues and planning for capacity and performance improvements.

While creating a network map may involve the use of various tools—including port scanners—it's not the primary function of a port scanner. Sending phishing emails is an entirely different activity related to social engineering and does not align with the purpose of network security tools. Encrypting network traffic is also outside the scope of a port scanner's functionality, as it involves securing data communication rather than identifying access points and services.