Penetration Testing
Definition
A penetration test, or pen test, is an authorized simulated cyberattack on a computer system, performed to evaluate the security of the system. The test is performed to identify both weaknesses (vulnerabilities), including the potential for unauthorized parties to gain access to the system's features and data, as well as strengths.
Why It Matters
Penetration testing provides a realistic assessment of an organization's security posture by actively trying to break in. It helps identify vulnerabilities that might be missed by automated scanners and demonstrates the real-world impact of a potential breach.
Contextual Example
A company hires a team of "ethical hackers" to perform a penetration test on their web application. The team attempts to find and exploit vulnerabilities, just as a real attacker would, and then provides a detailed report of their findings so the company can fix the issues.
Common Misunderstandings
- Penetration testing should always be done with explicit permission.
- It is a proactive way to improve security, rather than waiting for an actual attack to happen.