What is the main goal of a penetration test?

The main goal of a penetration test is to replicate the actions of threat actors. This approach allows security professionals to simulate real-world attacks on a system to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious individuals. By mimicking the tactics, techniques, and procedures used by actual attackers, organizations can better understand their security posture and discover potential entry points for an attack.

This process not only helps in revealing security flaws but also provides valuable insights into how robust current defenses are against specific threats. The insights gained from penetration testing can be vital in creating effective remediation strategies and enhancing overall security measures.

While developing new security policies, training employees, and assessing compliance with regulations are all essential components of an organization's security framework, these activities do not directly align with the primary objective of simulating threat actor behavior. Penetration testing is focused specifically on identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in a controlled environment to strengthen the system's defenses.