What is the primary goal of a penetration test?

The primary goal of a penetration test is to exploit vulnerabilities to determine security weaknesses in a system. This type of testing simulates real-world attacks by attempting to exploit known vulnerabilities in software, hardware, or network systems. By doing so, penetration testers can identify areas where security measures may be inadequate, allowing organizations to strengthen their defenses, address security gaps, and enhance their overall security posture.

A penetration test goes beyond what is typically achieved through vulnerability assessments or security audits, which often focus on identifying vulnerabilities without attempting to exploit them. The focus on active exploitation during a penetration test provides deeper insights into how an attacker could potentially access sensitive data or compromise systems, leading to prioritized remediation efforts.

In this context, other choices do not align with the primary goal of a penetration test. Protecting data from unauthorized access is typically an outcome of implementing security measures, rather than the direct intent of the testing process. Designing secure network architectures and creating disaster recovery plans are essential components of a broader security strategy, but they are not objectives of a penetration test specifically.