What is a penetration test?
A penetration test (pentest) is a controlled simulation of a cyberattack, conducted by ethical hackers, to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in systems, networks, or applications.
The goal is to assess resistance to both internal and external attacks and strengthen overall protection.
Why is it important?
A penetration test helps uncover weaknesses before they can be exploited, enhancing the security of data and systems through preventive measures.
How does it work?
Planning and scoping: Defining the objectives, boundaries, rules, and budget of the test.
Information gathering: Identifying the data and tools necessary for the simulated attack.
Execution: Simulating attacks to test defenses, analyzing compromised data, and evaluating potential impact.
Reporting: Providing a detailed analysis of the results with recommendations for improving security.
Objectives of the penetration test:
- Identify exploitable vulnerabilities.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of defenses.
- Provide actionable recommendations to enhance security.