What does penetration testing involve?

Penetration testing involves simulating cyberattacks on a system to identify vulnerabilities. This process allows security professionals to assess the security posture of a system by mimicking the tactics that real attackers might use. By performing these tests, organizations can uncover weaknesses that might not be evident through other forms of security assessment, like vulnerability scanning.

During a penetration test, various techniques are used, such as social engineering, phishing, exploiting known vulnerabilities, and attempting to gain unauthorized access. The goal is to provide a realistic view of how an attacker could exploit system vulnerabilities and to help organizations fortify their defenses based on the findings.

In contrast, other activities, such as creating detailed documentation of business processes or conducting employee training on security policies, do not directly assess or simulate attack scenarios. Similarly, while implementing software updates is crucial for maintaining security, it does not involve the direct testing of systems against potential cyber threats, which is the essence of penetration testing.