What prerequisites must be met before initiating a Discovery scan?

Before initiating a Discovery scan, having proper credentials, access to the network, and the configuration of Discovery settings are essential prerequisites.

The need for proper credentials ensures that the scan can access the necessary systems and data without encountering permissions barriers. This is critical since a Discovery scan aims to collect information from various endpoints and services, and lacking the right access could lead to incomplete or inaccurate data.

Access to the network is equally important because the Discovery scan involves communicating with multiple devices across the network infrastructure. Without this access, the scan would be unable to locate or gather information from the devices it's intended to analyze.

Lastly, the configuration of Discovery settings is crucial to tailor the scan according to the specific environment and requirements of the organization. This includes determining which devices to scan, what information to collect, and how to handle any special conditions or exceptions within the network.

Other options, while potentially relevant in broader contexts, do not directly address the fundamental needs for executing a successful Discovery scan. High-level network analysis tools might aid in understanding network behavior but are not a prerequisite. Documentation of existing IT policies is useful for governance and compliance but does not directly impact the technical execution of a Discovery scan. Installation of client-side software may be necessary for certain types of scans but is