A penetration test is the method of evaluating the security of a location, computer system, or network by simulating an attack from an outside source.

The process involves intelligence gathering, probing the location, system or network for security weaknesses, and exploiting weaknesses or mis-configurations.

The analysis is carried out from the position of a malicious attacker and can involve active exploitation of security vulnerabilities.

Any security issues that are found will be presented to the owner (client), together with an assessment of their impact, and often with a proposal for mitigation or a technical solution. The intent of a penetration test is to determine the feasibility of an attack and the amount of business impact of a successful exploit, if discovered.