Glossary · P
Penetration test
A penetration test is an authorized, time-boxed attempt by skilled testers to achieve defined objectives against a defined scope, reported as what was reached and how.
Extended definition
In more detail.
A test answers what an attacker could achieve against the scope on a given date. It is not a substitute for vulnerability management, which answers whether the organization finds and fixes weaknesses reliably; an organization without the process will fail its test for reasons it could have known. Tests are commissioned annually and after significant change, and their findings should be treated as evidence about the process as well as about the systems.
In our work
Where it appears.
Testing is part of independent technical assessments. See penetration test versus vulnerability management review.
By David Selakovic · Published 2026-10-16 · Revised 2026-10-16 · Reviewed every 180 days