What type of testing simulates real-world attacks on a network?

Penetration testing is designed to simulate real-world attacks on a network. This method involves ethical hackers trying to exploit vulnerabilities in a system or network, just as an attacker would. The goal is to identify security weaknesses that could be exploited, allowing organizations to understand the risk posed by different vulnerabilities. This process not only tests the technical defenses but also assesses the effectiveness of security controls and policies in place.

Vulnerability scanning identifies potential vulnerabilities without exploiting them, while static analysis focuses on evaluating the code for security flaws without running it and site assessments generally involve evaluating the physical security and operational practices rather than simulating attacks. Penetration testing is therefore distinct as it combines both the assessment of vulnerabilities and the active exploitation to verify the security posture of a system or network.