Penetration testing, often called “pen testing,” is a proactive security assessment where cybersecurity professionals simulate real-world cyberattacks on a system, network, or application to identify and exploit vulnerabilities before malicious actors can do so. The process is methodical and involves several key phases, each with specific objectives and activities.
Penetration Testing involves multiple stages.
- Planning and Scoping
• Define the goals, scope, and rules of engagement for the test, including which systems will be tested and the methods allowed. - Reconnaissance (Information Gathering)
• Gather as much information as possible about the target system, such as network topology, operating systems, applications, and user accounts. - Scanning and Enumeration
• Use automated tools and manual techniques to identify open ports, network services, and potential entry points.
• Map out the system architecture and look for weaknesses that could be exploited. - Vulnerability Assessment
• Analyze the collected data to identify known vulnerabilities in software, configurations, or network protocols. - Exploitation
• Simulate real attack techniques such as SQL injection, password cracking, or buffer overflows, using tools like Metasploit and John the Ripper. - Analysis and Reporting
• Document all findings, including vulnerabilities discovered, exploitation methods used, and the potential business impact. - Clean-Up and Remediation
• Ensure all changes made during testing are reverted and no test artifacts remain.
Synonyms:
pen testing, pentest, pen test