Penetration testing, also known as pen testing or ethical hacking, is the process of simulating an attack on a computer system, application or network in order to identify security vulnerabilities and weaknesses.

What is penetration testing?

Penetration testing (often shortened to pentest) is a structured, controlled cybersecurity process in which experts simulate attacks on an organization’s systems, networks, or applications. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities that real attackers might exploit and recommend actions to fix them. These tests mimic real-world hacking attempts but are conducted by ethical hackers working in the

How penetration testing appears in practice?

Examples of how pentesting is used:

• Testing a web application for common flaws like SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS).
• Assessing internal network security to see how far an attacker could go after gaining access.
• Phishing simulations targeting employees to test awareness and response.
• Evaluating password policies and access control in business systems.
• Testing multi-factor authentication and attempts to bypass access restrictions.

Pentests aim to discover weaknesses before malicious actors do. The final result is a report with detailed findings and recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture.

How is penetration testing different from similar terms?

• Penetration Testing vs. Security Audit:
  • A penetration test simulates a real-world attack in practice.
  • An audit evaluates security in terms of compliance with standards and documentation.
• Penetration Testing vs. Vulnerability Scanning:
  • A penetration test involves manual analysis and a creative approach.
  • Scanning is an automated process for detecting known weaknesses.

Why this distinction matters:
Audits and scanning tools are valuable but can miss attack vectors that only human testers can find. Penetration testing offers a realistic attacker’s view of your environment.

How to use penetration testing

Recommended steps:

1. Define the test scope – apps, networks, devices, cloud, or user behavior.
2. Select a reputable provider – choose one with proven experience and references.
3. Set clear rules of engagement – determine what’s allowed, testing windows, and notification protocols.
4. Request a detailed report – prioritize risks and include actionable recommendations.
5. Repeat regularly – especially after system changes or new deployments.

Why It Matters
Attackers constantly evolve their tactics. Even organizations that believe they’re well protected may have unseen gaps. Penetration testing is a proactive defense tool, helping companies stay ahead of threats and uncover critical vulnerabilities—before it's too late.