Network penetration testing, often abbreviated to pen testing, involves simulated cyberattacks on your company’s network to help uncover potential vulnerabilities. The simulations include various techniques of attack to thoroughly search for weaknesses in the network and firewall. The test should attempt access through web applications, APIs and operating systems from both internal and external attack approaches.

Pen testing typically follows a vulnerability assessment. While vulnerability scanning is conducted using automated tools, penetration testing is performed by skilled cybersecurity professionals who take a more exhaustive and deeper dive into the network’s defenses.