Penetration testing, also known as “pen testing,” is a simulated cyberattack performed to identify vulnerabilities in a computer system or network. It involves security experts using ethical hacking techniques to find weak spots in a system’s defenses, mimicking how attackers might exploit them. The goal is to assess a system’s security posture and identify areas that need improvement before real-world attacks can compromise the system.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Purpose and Benefits:
Identify Vulnerabilities:
Pen testing helps uncover weaknesses in systems, applications, and networks that could be exploited by malicious actors.
Improve Security Posture:
By identifying vulnerabilities, organizations can take steps to strengthen their defenses and prevent breaches.
Assess Compliance:
Pen testing can help organizations meet regulatory and industry compliance requirements.
Evaluate Incident Response Plans:
It can test the effectiveness of an organization’s incident response plan in the event of a security breach.
Raise Awareness:
Pen testing can help employees become more aware of security protocols and best practices.
Methods and Types:
Black Box Testing:
Testers have no prior knowledge of the system, simulating a real-world attack where an attacker has no internal information.
White Box Testing:
Testers have full knowledge of the system, including its architecture, code, and configuration.
Gray Box Testing:
Testers have some, but not complete, knowledge of the system, such as understanding the application’s functionality but not its internal workings.
Phases of Pen Testing:
1. Reconnaissance:
Gathering information about the target system, including its structure, technologies, and security measures.
2. Scanning:
Identifying potential vulnerabilities using automated tools and techniques.
3. Vulnerability Assessment:
Analyzing the identified vulnerabilities to determine their severity and potential impact.
4. Exploitation:
Attempting to exploit the vulnerabilities using various techniques.
5. Reporting:
Documenting the findings, including the identified vulnerabilities, the methods used for exploitation, and recommendations for remediation.

Tools used
BurpSuite
Metasploit
Kali Linux
Nessus
Qualys Guard
Wireshark
Nmap
Powersploit
Cobalt Strike