What is typically the primary goal of penetration testing?

The primary goal of penetration testing is to identify vulnerabilities within an organization's systems, applications, and networks. This testing simulates an attacker's approach to uncover potential weaknesses that could be exploited, allowing organizations to understand their security posture better. By discovering these vulnerabilities, organizations can take proactive measures to mitigate risks, patch systems, and improve their overall security measures before they are exploited by malicious actors.

Identifying vulnerabilities is crucial for organizations to maintain their information security, ensure compliance with regulations, and protect sensitive data from breaches. Penetration testing not only provides insights into technical weaknesses but also helps assess the effectiveness of existing security controls and policies in place. This makes it an essential practice in fostering a robust security environment.