What is the aim of penetration testing?

The aim of penetration testing is specifically to simulate cyber attacks and evaluate security. This process involves identifying vulnerabilities in a system by mimicking the tactics and techniques that malicious hackers might employ. Penetration testing helps organizations understand their security posture by revealing weaknesses that could be exploited, thereby providing valuable insights into how to fortify defenses against potential attacks. By conducting controlled attacks, security professionals can assess the effectiveness of their security measures and make necessary adjustments to protect sensitive data and maintain overall system integrity.

In contrast, developing new software features, creating user accounts, or enhancing the user interface pertain to software development and user experience improvements rather than assessing or improving security measures. These activities do not directly relate to the core purpose of penetration testing, which is to proactively find and rectify security vulnerabilities.