What is penetration testing?

Penetration testing is a critical security practice that involves conducting simulated cyber attacks against a system to assess its security posture. This process helps organizations identify vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and potential points of exploitation before real attackers can take advantage of them. By mimicking the actions of malicious hackers, penetration testing allows security teams to evaluate the effectiveness of their defenses, understand potential impacts, and prioritize remediation efforts.

This approach is crucial because it goes beyond merely analyzing the system or implementing defenses; it actively tests the security measures in place in a controlled environment. The findings from a penetration test can inform better security policies, improve incident response strategies, and enhance overall security awareness within an organization.