Penetration Testing: Understanding Network Exploitation | CompTIA Network+ Exam N10-007

Penetration Testing

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Question

The process of attempting to exploit a weakness in a network after being given permission by the company is known as:

A.

penetration testing B.

vulnerability scanning C.

reconnaissance D.

social engineering.

A.

Explanations

The process of attempting to exploit a weakness in a network after being given permission by the company is known as:

A.

penetration testing

B.

vulnerability scanning

C.

reconnaissance

D.

social engineering.

A.

The correct answer is A. Penetration testing.

Penetration testing, also known as pen testing, is the process of testing a computer system, network, or web application to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. Penetration testing is typically performed by security professionals who simulate attacks in a controlled environment to identify weaknesses and provide recommendations to improve security.

Penetration testing can be performed in different ways, such as black box testing, which simulates an attack by someone who has no knowledge of the system, or white box testing, which simulates an attack by someone who has full knowledge of the system.

The main goal of penetration testing is to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers, and provide recommendations to improve security. This can include recommendations for network configuration, software updates, and user education.

Vulnerability scanning, on the other hand, is the process of scanning a network or system for known vulnerabilities, without attempting to exploit them. This can be performed by automated tools or by manual review of system configurations.

Reconnaissance is the process of gathering information about a network or system to identify potential targets or vulnerabilities. This can include gathering information about system configurations, network topology, and user behavior.

Social engineering is the process of manipulating people to divulge confidential information or to perform actions that could compromise security. This can include tactics such as phishing, pretexting, and baiting.

In summary, penetration testing is the process of attempting to exploit weaknesses in a network with the permission of the company, in order to identify vulnerabilities and provide recommendations for improvement.