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.
Telegram and Signal Havens for Right-Wing Extremists
Since the violent storming of Capitol Hill and subsequent ban of former U.S. President Donald Trump from Facebook and Twitter, the removal of Parler from Amazon’s servers, and the de-platforming of incendiary right-wing content, messaging services Telegram and Signal have seen a deluge of new users. In January alone, Telegram reported 90 million new accounts. Its founder, Pavel Durov, described this as “the largest digital migration in human history.” Signal reportedly doubled its user base to 40 million people and became the most downloaded app in 70 countries. The two services rely on encryption to protect the privacy of user communication, which has made them popular with protesters seeking to conceal their identities against repressive governments in places like Belarus, Hong Kong, and Iran. But the same encryption technology has also made them a favored communication tool for criminals and terrorist groups, including al Qaeda and the Islamic State.
