CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What kind of scanning can Nmap perform to discover the operating systems of devices?

1. Ping scan

2. OS scan

3. Speed scan

4. Service scan

The correct answer is: OS scan

Nmap is a powerful network scanning tool commonly used for network discovery and security auditing. One of its capabilities is performing an operating system (OS) scan, which helps determine the operating system of devices connected to a network. This functionality utilizes various techniques such as analyzing TCP/IP stack behavior and examining responses from the target device to identify OS signatures. The OS scan feature relies on a database of known operating system fingerprints, which Nmap compares against the responses received. This allows for a relatively accurate identification of the OS, even if the device does not explicitly disclose this information. This capability is particularly valuable for network administrators and security professionals who need to manage devices effectively and assess potential vulnerabilities associated with different operating systems. In contrast, other scanning types listed do not serve the purpose of OS discovery. For instance, a ping scan primarily checks if a device is up and reachable but does not provide OS information. A speed scan focuses on how quickly a target can be scanned and isn't specific to OS detection. Service scans identify services running on a target but do not inherently include OS identification. Thus, the OS scan option accurately reflects Nmap's capability to uncover the operating systems of networked devices.