What is "penetration testing"?

Penetration testing, often referred to as "pen testing," is specifically designed to simulate a cyber attack on a computer system, network, or web application to evaluate its security. This practice involves authorized and controlled attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in the system to determine how deep an attacker could potentially penetrate. It helps identify weaknesses in security defenses, enabling organizations to take corrective actions before actual cyber attacks occur.

This method is pivotal for organizations as it not only assesses the robustness of security measures but also provides insights into potential threat vectors and the effectiveness of existing security protocols. By thoroughly testing and evaluating how well a system can withstand an attack, organizations can bolster their defenses and better protect their sensitive data and assets from cyber threats.