What are two purposes of launching a reconnaissance attack on a network?

Launching a reconnaissance attack on a network primarily aims to gather information about the network and its connected devices. This phase is critical for attackers as it allows them to identify potential vulnerabilities, understand the network structure, and determine the types and configurations of devices present. Through various techniques such as scanning and probing, attackers can collect data about IP addresses, open ports, operating systems, and the services running on different devices within the network. This information is essential for planning subsequent steps in an attack, making it the foundation for exploiting vulnerabilities and gaining unauthorized access.

In contrast, disrupting network services or introducing malware are more aggressive actions meant to compromise or harm the network itself. Though scanning for accessibility can aid in reconnaissance, the broader purpose of a reconnaissance attack is to gather detailed information rather than focusing solely on access. Therefore, the primary objective of reconnaissance attacks is to collect valuable information that can inform further attacks, which is why gathering information about the network and devices is a fundamental purpose.