[Term of the Day]: Penetration Test

Term of the Day

"Penetration Testing"

Definition — What is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing also called pen testing is an ethical hacking that is attempted to exploit the vulnerabilities of a computer system, network or web application that an attacker could exploit.

For example, this is like a bank hiring someone to dress as a burglar and try to break into their building and gain access to the vault. If the 'burglar' succeeds and gets into the bank or the vault, the bank will gain valuable information on how they need to tighten their security measures.

Penetration testing can be automated with software applications or performed manually. Either way, the process involves gathering information about the target before the test, identifying possible entry points, attempting to break in -- either virtually or for real -- and reporting back the findings.

The main objective of penetration testing is to help businesses find out where they are likely to face an attack and proactively shore up those weaknesses before exploitation by hackers.