Penetration testing, commonly known as “pen testing,” is a security testing technique used to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in a computer system or network. It involves simulating a real-world attack on a system to evaluate its security and identify potential weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious actors.

During a penetration test, a skilled and certified ethical hacker will use a variety of tools and techniques to attempt to gain unauthorized access to a system. This could include exploiting known vulnerabilities in software, attempting to guess weak passwords, or even physically bypassing security measures to gain access to hardware.

The ultimate goal of a penetration test is to identify weaknesses in a system’s security before they can be exploited by real attackers. By identifying vulnerabilities and providing recommendations for improving security, penetration testing helps organizations improve their overall security posture and reduce the risk of a successful cyber attack.