Penetration testing, also known as pen testing, security pen testing, and security testing, is a form of ethical hacking. It describes the intentional launching of simulated cyberattacks by “white hat” penetration testers using strategies and tools designed to access or exploit computer systems, networks, websites, and applications. Although the main objective of pen testing is to identify exploitable issues so that effective security controls can be implemented, security professionals can also use penetration testing techniques, along with specialized testing tools, to test the robustness of an organization's security policies, its regulatory compliance, its employees' security awareness, and the organization's ability to identify and respond to security issues and incidents such as unauthorized access, as they occur.
Penetration testing, also known as pen testing, security pen testing, and security testing, is a form of ethical hacking. It describes the intentional launching of simulated cyberattacks by “white hat” penetration testers using strategies and tools designed to access or exploit computer systems, networks, websites, and applications. Although the main objective of pen testing is to identify exploitable issues so that effective security controls can be implemented, security professionals can also use penetration testing techniques, along with specialized testing tools, to test the robustness of an organization's security policies, its regulatory compliance, its employees' security awareness, and the organization's ability to identify and respond to security issues and incidents such as unauthorized access, as they occur.
