What is the main purpose of network enumeration?

The main purpose of network enumeration is to gather detailed information about a network. This process involves identifying various components of the network, such as active devices, their operating systems, open ports, and services running on those ports. By understanding the structure and resources of a network, security professionals can assess potential risks, identify vulnerabilities, and plan appropriate defensive measures.

Network enumeration is a crucial step in information gathering during penetration testing or network security assessments. It provides insight into the network's architecture, helping testers discover possible entry points that could be exploited. This information is essential for creating an effective security strategy or for preparing an attack simulation in a controlled manner.

The other options focus on different activities related to network security, such as exploiting vulnerabilities or configuring settings, which do not accurately capture the primary objective of network enumeration itself.