What Does Penetration Testing (Pen-Testing) Mean?

Penetration testing (pen-testing or pentesting) is a method of testing, measuring and enhancing established security measures on information systems and support areas.

Pen-testing is also known as a security assessment.

Techopedia Explains Penetration Testing (Pen-Testing)

Pen-testing may be conducted to complement background investigations and ensure social engineering and networking safety.

Pen-testing is implemented by simulating malicious attacks from an organization’s internal and external users. The entire system is then analyzed for potential vulnerabilities. A plan that communicates test objectives, timetables and resources is developed prior to actual pen-testing.

Pen-testing is an invaluable process for a number of reasons, including the following: