What is one purpose of penetration testing in cybersecurity?

The purpose of penetration testing in cybersecurity is to exploit vulnerabilities in systems. This method involves simulating cyberattacks on a network or system to identify and assess security weaknesses. By actively engaging in this exploitation, organizations can gain a clearer understanding of how their security measures might fail in a real-world scenario. This proactive approach allows for the identification of vulnerabilities before they can be leveraged by malicious actors, thereby strengthening the overall security posture of the organization. Penetration testing leads to valuable insights that guide remediation efforts and enhance protective measures, effectively reducing the risk of data breaches and system compromises.