Penetration testing, often referred to as pen testing, is a method used to assess the security of a computer system, network, or application by simulating cyberattacks. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.

• Identify Vulnerabilities: Detect weak points in your systems before attackers do.
• Ensure Compliance: Meet regulatory standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS.
• Strengthen Security: Develop strategies to mitigate risks and protect sensitive data.
• Test Incident Response: Evaluate your organization's ability to detect and respond to threats.

The pen testing process typically involves the following steps:

• Planning and Reconnaissance: Define the scope, objectives, and gather information about the target system.
• Scanning: Identify potential entry points using tools like Nmap or Nessus.
• Exploitation: Attempt to exploit vulnerabilities to assess their impact.
• Reporting: Document findings, including vulnerabilities discovered and recommendations for mitigation.

Penetration tests can be categorized based on the scope and approach:

• Black Box Testing: Testers have no prior knowledge of the system, simulating an external attack.
• White Box Testing: Testers have full knowledge of the system, including architecture and source code.
• Gray Box Testing: A combination of black and white box testing, where testers have limited knowledge of the system.