What is the main goal of penetration testing?

The main goal of penetration testing is to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in a system. This process involves simulating real-world attacks on IT infrastructures to uncover security weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious actors. By conducting penetration tests, organizations can assess the effectiveness of their security measures and identify areas that require improvement. This proactive approach helps in strengthening overall security by allowing organizations to fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in actual attacks.

While improving software design, enhancing hardware performance, and educating users about secure practices are all important aspects of cybersecurity, they do not directly represent the primary focus of penetration testing. The penetration testing process is specifically centered around evaluating security through a hands-on approach, prioritizing the discovery and exploitation of potential vulnerabilities to bolster security defenses.