pentesting

Penetration testing, or pentesting, is a formal, authorized assessment of the security of computer systems, networks, or applications by simulating real-world cyberattacks. The objective is to identify exploitable weaknesses, understand potential impact, and provide actionable remediation guidance to improve security posture. Tests are conducted within a defined scope and rules of engagement to ensure legal and operational safety.

Common types of pentesting include network pentests, web application pentests, mobile application pentests, wireless security assessments, and physical security tests. Some engagements also include social engineering or phishing simulations to evaluate human factors and security awareness.

A typical pentest follows a structured methodology. Planning and scoping establish objectives, assets, timelines, and reporting requirements. Information gathering and threat modeling collect data about the target and identify likely intrusion paths. Vulnerability analysis combines automated tools with manual review to uncover weaknesses. Exploitation attempts validate whether weaknesses can be leveraged and assess potential impact. Post-exploitation and pivoting explore depth and persistence within the environment. Finally, reporting documents findings, evidence, risk ratings, remediation recommendations, and retesting plans.

Standards and frameworks such as PTES, the OWASP Testing Guide, and NIST guidance inform best practices. Common tools include network scanners (Nmap), vulnerability scanners (Nessus), web application proxies (Burp Suite), and exploitation frameworks (Metasploit). While automation helps, skilled manual testing remains essential to verify exploitability and contextual risk.

Outcomes typically include a detailed findings report, prioritized remediation steps, and evidence to support remediation verification. Pentesting differs from vulnerability scanning, which is less intrusive and broader, and from red teaming, which simulates adversaries over longer periods without always focusing on isolated vulnerabilities. Ethical and legal considerations, including explicit authorization and scope, are essential to any pentest.