What is security penetration testing?

Security penetration testing, also known as pen testing, is a simulated cyberattack conducted on a computer system, network, or web application to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. The goal is to proactively find security weaknesses before malicious actors do, helping organizations strengthen their defenses. Penetration testers use a combination of automated tools and manual techniques to mimic real-world attack scenarios. The results are documented in a report, which includes recommendations for improving security.