Penetration Testing (Pentesting) is a controlled and authorized cybersecurity assessment designed to identify security weaknesses in systems, networks, applications, and infrastructure before real attackers can exploit them. It simulates real-world cyberattacks using the same techniques, tools, and methodologies used by malicious hackers.

During a penetration test, security specialists attempt to gain unauthorized access to systems by exploiting vulnerabilities such as misconfigurations, outdated software, weak authentication, insecure APIs, or poor access controls. The goal is not to cause damage, but to understand how an attacker could breach the system and what impact such a breach could have.