Pentest (Penetration Testing)

An authorized simulated cyberattack performed to evaluate the security of systems by identifying vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.

What is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing (pentesting) is an authorized simulated attack on a computer system, network, or application to evaluate its security. Ethical hackers use the same techniques as malicious actors to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

Pentest Types

By Knowledge Level:

Black Box: No prior knowledge (external attacker simulation)
White Box: Full system knowledge (comprehensive assessment)
Gray Box: Partial knowledge (realistic insider threat)

By Target:

Network: Infrastructure and services
Web Application: Websites and APIs
Mobile: iOS and Android applications
Social Engineering: Human vulnerabilities
Physical: Building and facility security

Pentest Phases

Reconnaissance: Gather information about target
Scanning: Identify live systems and services
Exploitation: Attempt to breach security
Post-Exploitation: Assess impact and lateral movement
Reporting: Document findings and recommendations

Deliverables

Executive summary for leadership
Technical findings with evidence
Risk ratings (CVSS scores)
Remediation recommendations
Retest verification