Definition:
Penetration testing, or pen testing, is the practice of simulating real-world attacks on a system or network to identify vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them.
Use Cases:
- Used by organizations to assess their security posture by identifying potential weaknesses.
- Employed in compliance testing to meet regulatory standards for cybersecurity.
Related Terms:
Questions and Answers:
- What is the purpose of penetration testing?
The purpose is to identify security weaknesses in a system or network before attackers can exploit them, allowing organizations to fix vulnerabilities proactively.
- How does penetration testing differ from vulnerability scanning?
Vulnerability scanning identifies potential vulnerabilities, while penetration testing actively attempts to exploit them to assess their impact.
- What are the different types of penetration testing?
Types include black-box testing (with no prior knowledge of the system), white-box testing (with full knowledge), and gray-box testing (partial knowledge).