What is the goal of penetration testing?

The primary goal of penetration testing is to identify potential vulnerabilities in a system. This involves simulating cyber attacks on an organization's systems, networks, or applications to uncover security weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious actors. By proactively seeking out these vulnerabilities, organizations can take necessary steps to mitigate risks, strengthen their security posture, and protect sensitive data before actual attacks occur.

Understanding vulnerabilities is crucial for any cybersecurity strategy, as it enables organizations to address weaknesses within their infrastructure and applications. Conducting thorough penetration tests helps teams to discover not only the vulnerabilities present but also the implications each vulnerability can have in a real-world attack scenario. This process ultimately leads to enhanced security measures and a more resilient overall system.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary objective of penetration testing: marketing cybersecurity tools focuses on promotion rather than assessment; user permission establishment pertains to access control management, which is distinct from evaluating security weaknesses; and creating a backup of system data is a routine operational procedure that does not involve probing for vulnerabilities.