Penetration testing (pentesting) is a scoped, simulated attack against applications, networks, or devices to uncover exploitable weaknesses. If you’re asking what is Penetration Testing, it uses attacker-style tactics—performed with permission—to prove impact and prioritize fixes.
We often see security leaders run pentests to validate controls, satisfy compliance, and turn scan results into evidence-backed remediation work. Automation broadens coverage; expert manual exploitation proves what really breaks and why. Frequency rises with change: quarterly is common, continuous for fast-moving apps.
Essentials of a strong pentest:
- Clear scope & rules of engagement
- Mixed methods: black-, gray-, and white-box
- Evidence that chains findings to business impact
- Retest to verify fixes and reduce residual risk
Our take? Pentesting turns theory into proof—so you fix what matters first.
Want the full blueprint? Explore our Penetration Testing Guide. For approach and scope, see Exploring the Main Types of Pen Testing and White Box Penetration Testing for Complete Insight. To scale effort, read How Automated Penetration Testing Saves Time; to stay ahead between releases, use Continuous Penetration Testing for Ongoing Protection. For standards and governance, anchor on Understanding the Pentest Standard That Matters.
