Security Audit

17 Most Popular Penetration Testing Tools for Companies and Pentesters

Updated on: February 21, 2024

17 Most Popular Penetration Testing Tools for Companies and Pentesters

Dwarfing Japan’s GDP twice, cybercrime is estimated to reach 9.2 trillion in 2024. So, how can enterprises and security analysts mitigate such threats?

While hundreds of penetration testing tools promise robust cybersecurity for enterprises and analysts, finding your perfect match is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Thus, our security experts have handpicked the 17 best penetration testing tools that focus on your non-negotiables, including but not limited to cost, timeline, functionality, technical knowledge, deployment, and pentest capabilities.

17 Most Popular Penetration Testing Tools of All Time

  1. Astra Pentest
  2. Burp Suite Professional
  3. Cobalt Strike
  4. Rapid7
  5. Acunetix
  6. Nessus Professional
  7. IndusfaceWAS
  8. Kali Linux
  9. NMap
  10. Wireshark
  11. Nikto
  12. W3af
  13. Aircrack-ng
  14. BeEF
  15. Ettercap
  16. Vega
  17. ZAP

Choosing a Pentest Tool: Enterprise vs. Security Analyst

Although both companies and analysts utilize pentesting tools, needs and considerations naturally differ. 

Companies and enterprises often look for a complete suite of tools that caters to multi-asset infrastructures and appeals to all the stakeholders using the tool. They prioritize tools that offer end-to-end pentesting, vulnerability management, and support, generate comprehensive reports, and integrate seamlessly with existing workflows. 

Conversely, security analysts are concerned with individual tool capabilities such as effectiveness, flexibility, ease of use, and specific asset specialization. Security analysts might also prioritize Vulnerability Assessment tools over Penetration Testing tools that aren’t deployed on the company-wide network, and analysts are usually the sole users.

This table highlights the key differences between choosing a Pentest Tool as an Enterprise vs choosing a Pentest Tool as a Security Analyst:

FeaturesPentest Tool for EnterprisesPentest Tool for Security Analysts
Managing End-to-End PentestsEssential for scheduling, assigning, and tracking testsNot applicable, pentester focuses on hacking the given scope
Generate Custom ReportsIt is crucial for presenting findings to stakeholders and regulatorsMight not be necessary, depending on individual reporting requirements
Deployment CapabilitiesOn-premise or cloud deployment based on the company’s policiesPortable and usable on personal computers
Acceptance of ReportsRequires reports accepted by industry standards and customersValue detailed findings over report formatting
CollaborationEnables team collaboration and knowledge sharingPrimarily for individual use
Workflow IntegrationsIntegrates with existing security platforms, ticketing systems & CI/CDNot essential, they value tool functionality over integration

On the other hand, some common traits resonate with both enterprises and security analysts:

1. Effectiveness: 

Both enterprises and analysts look for tools that effectively uncover vulnerabilities in the given scope. The ideal pentesting tool takes an offensive approach to uncover vulnerabilities.

SQLMap is an excellent example of how it probes the application for SQL injection, and once there’s a sign of the vulnerability, it exploits it. Ultimately, a pentest tool is judged by its effectiveness, among others.

2. Cost: 

Enterprises seek cost-effective penetration testing solutions that deliver results without compromising quality. On the other hand, security experts prioritize open-source or flexible pricing tools. 

3. Asset Specialization: 

Enterprises look for pentesting platforms that target their unique infrastructure and applications, while security analysts seek tools tailored to specific assets like web applications, mobile devices, or cloud environments.

4. Accuracy: 

Enterprises rely on the accuracy of vulnerability and attack vector identification to prioritize remediation efforts. Conversely, security professionals rely on accurate findings to build trust and deliver credible reports.

Why Astra is the best in pentesting?

  • We’re the only company that combines automated & manual pentest to create a one-of-a-kind pentest platform
  • Our automated scanner scans for 9300+ vulnerabilities
  • Vetted scans ensure zero false positives
  • Our intelligent vulnerability scanner emulates hacker behavior & evolves with every pentest
  • Astra’s scanner helps you shift left by integrating with your CI/CD
  • Our platform helps you uncover, manage & fix vulnerabilities in one place
  • Trusted by the brands you trust like Agora, Spicejet, Muthoot, Dream11, etc.

Types of Penetration Testing Tools

1. Open-Source Tools

Freely available and community-driven, open-source pentesting tools are often the starting point for budget-conscious security analysts and bootstrapping startups. Some prime examples include – OWASP ZAP for web app exploration and SQLmap for uncovering SQLi vulnerabilities. 

Open source is the backbone of the cyber security industry! However, the learning curve for using open-source tools is often steep, false positives are possible, and ongoing maintenance is typically required.

2. Web App Pentest

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tools like Astra or Burp Suite automate vulnerability scans, while Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tools like Checkmarx scrutinize source code for hidden faults. 

While web app penetration testing tools are efficient for common vulnerabilities, they necessitate manual help to identify complex flaws like payment gateway hacks.

3. Network Pentest

Automated network penetration tools such as NMap and Nessus leverage vast databases to identify open ports, outdated software, and misconfigurations.

However, with manual vetting and technical monitoring, they can easily navigate intricate network topologies and often generate many false positives.

4. Mobile Pentest

Unlike the above, mobile application penetration testing necessitates a different playbook. A popular tool like MobSF can assist with static analysis.

However, manual pentest is the only option for a security analyst to scan the app’s source code, analyze its network traffic, and exploit device and platform-specific vulnerabilities.

5. Cloud Pentest

While cloud providers offer shared responsibility models, securing your configurations remains crucial. Some of the best penetration testing tools, like CloudSploit and Prisma Cloud, assess cloud infrastructure for misconfigurations and insecure settings. 

Nonetheless, a probe for complex issues, such as insecure API integrations and inadequate data encryption practices, calls for a deeper approach.

6. Automated Pentest

Automated penetration testing tools, integrated into the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC, provide unique continuous vulnerability detection. Tools like Nexpose and Qualys automate vulnerability detection and reporting, enabling rapid remediation. 

However, automation has limitations in uncovering complex vulnerabilities and requires human expertise for scoping and prioritization.

7. Penetration Testing as a Service Platform

PTaaS Platforms leverage human intelligence, automated tools & agile delivery methodologies to find vulnerabilities in a given scope continuously. Providers such as Astra and Rapid7 conduct comprehensive assessments to deliver tailored reports and actionable insights.

They are ideal for enterprises looking for end-to-end, flexible, and cost-effective penetration testing solutions.

Key Features to Look for While Choosing a Pentest Tool

Key features to look for in a penetration testing tool

Use Our Pentest Tools Chooser

Confused about which pentesting tool is best for you? Our chooser helps you make the perfect decision based on your specific needs.

17 Best Penetration Testing Tools for Companies & Pentesters in 2024

The Complete Pentest Platform: Astra Pentest

Astra Security PTaaS Solution Dashboard

Key Features:

  • Platform: Online
  • Pentest Capability: Continuous automated scans with manual tests 
  • Accuracy: Zero false positives
  • Compliance: PCI-DSS, HIPAA, ISO27001, and SOC2
  • Expert Remediation: Yes
  • Integration:  Slack, Jira, GitHub, GitLab, Jenkins, and more
  • Price: Starting at $1999/yr

The Astra Pentest Platform is a comprehensive penetration testing suite that combines our automated vulnerability scanner with AI and manual pentesting capabilities in compliance with various industry standards, including OWASP TOP 10 and SANS 25.

While expert-vetted scans ensure zero false positives, the in-depth hacker-style manual penetration tests reveal critical vulnerabilities like payment gateway hacks and business logic errors.

The plug-n-play SaaS tool includes a convenient Chrome extension for login recording, enabling authenticated scans behind login pages without redundant reauthentication.

Why Astra is the best penetration testing tool for you?

All in all, with over 50 years of combined experience of security engineers and a portfolio of 9,300+ automated test cases and compliance checks, Astra empowers enterprises and security analysts to achieve their security goals.

Pros:

  • Seamlessly integrate with your CI/CD pipeline
  • Continuously scan for vulnerabilities with regularly updated scanner rules
  • Collaborate with security experts with OSCP, CEH & CVEs under their name
  • Rapidly prioritize and remediate vulnerabilities
  • Generate custom executive and developer-friendly reports

Limitations:

  • Only a 1-week free trial is available

Astra Pentest is built by the team of experts that secured Microsoft, Adobe, Facebook, and Buffer

We are also available on weekends 😊

Penetration Testing Platforms for Enterprises:

FeaturesAstra PentestBurp SuiteCobalt Strike
Pentest CapabilitiesContinuous automated scans with manual tests for multiple assetsAutomated and manual scans for web appsAutomated adversary emulation and manual penetration testing for networks
AccuracyZero false positivesFalse positives possibleFalse positives possible
CompliancePCI-DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO, PCI-DSS & SOC2PCI-DSS, OWASP Top 10, HIPAA, and GDPR-
Expert RemediationYesNoNo
Workflow IntegrationsSlack, Jira, GitHub, GitLab, Jenkins, and moreSlack, Jira, Jenkins, GitLab, and moreOutflank Security Tooling and Core Impact
PricingStarting at $1999/yr$449/yr/userAvailable on quote

1. Burp Suite Professional

Burp Suite Professional - top penetration testing tool for enterprises

Key Features:

  • Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Pentest Capability: Automated and manual scans for web apps
  • Accuracy: False positives possible
  • Compliance: PCI-DSS, OWASP Top 10, HIPAA, and GDPR
  • Expert Remediation: No
  • Integration:  Slack, Jira, Jenkins, GitLab, and more 
  • Price: $449/yr/user

Burp Suite Professional is one of the best penetration testing tools for web apps that offers a variety of features for manual and automated testing. It pinpoints vulnerabilities by intercepting and manipulating web traffic, automating repetitive tasks, fuzzing, and brute-forcing logins.

It detects common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and insecure direct object references (IDORs). Burp Suite also offers easy integration with external tools for a smooth user experience.

Pros:

  • Offers a variety of extensions to enhance performance
  • Automates routine testing processes

Limitations:

  • Crashes and socket connection errors have been reported
  • Does not highlight information leakage, such as personal and financial data

2. Cobalt Strike

Cobalt Strike - network penetration testing tool for enterprises

Key Features:

  • Platform: Networks and systems
  • Pentest Capability: Automated adversary emulation and manual penetration testing.
  • Accuracy: False positives possible
  • Compliance: None
  • Expert Remediation: No
  • Integration: Outflank Security Tooling and Core Impact
  • Price: Available on quote

As a well-known commercial platform for advanced adversary emulation and network penetration testing, Cobalt Strike by Fortra is the ideal match for an enterprise with a more hands-on approach. It allows you to tailor payloads, evasion techniques, and attack methodologies.

The tools offer a vibrant community and resource repository, offering tutorials, plugins, and knowledge-sharing resources for CXOs and CTOs. 

Pros:

  • Variety of built-in modules for crafting targeted attacks
  • Features an exclusive and extensive exploit database

Limitations:

  • Downloads can take hours, even for a few megabytes
  • Can be expensive for SMEs

3. Rapid7

Rapid7 Dashboard - external penetration testing tool for enterprises

Key Features:

  • Platform: Cloud and Web Applications
  • Pentest Capability: Continuous automated scanning and manual pentests
  • Accuracy: False positives possible
  • Compliance: CIS, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS
  • Expert Remediation: No
  • Integration: ServiceNow Security Operations, LogRhythm NDR, and ManageEngine
  • Price: Available on quote

Rapid7 offers a unified penetration testing platform that empowers enterprises to achieve sustainable security across the entire attack surface. It understands the challenges of managing complex security landscapes and offers end-to-end vulnerability management.

With vulnerability scanning, external penetration testing, security orchestration, and automation response (SOAR) in its portfolio, Rapid7 helps generate third-party pentest reports to facilitate compliance audits.

Pros:

  • Provides in-depth visibility into vulnerabilities and threats
  • User-friendly interface

Limitations:

  • Relatively high priced for SMEs and startups
  • Turnaround on technical support can be slow

4. Acunetix

Acunetix Dashboard -pentest scanning tool for enterprises

Key Features:

  • Platform: Windows, macOS
  • Pentest Capability: Continuous automated scanning for web applications
  • Accuracy: False positives possible
  • Compliance: OWASP, SOC2, NIST, HIPAA, and ISO 27001 
  • Expert Remediation: No
  • Integration: GitHub, Jira, and Atlassian
  • Price: $1958/yr (Vulnerability Scanning only. Pentest pricing available on demand)

As a dedicated pentest scanner with advanced features, Acunetix automates the process as much as possible. It scans your applications for over 4,500 vulnerabilities, including common threats like SQL and XSS injections.

Acunetix offers simple workflow integrations and detailed reports with proof-of-concept examples to help improve the efficiency of remediation efforts for an enterprise.

Pros:

  • Intelligent automated scanning tool
  • Easy to navigate and learn

Limitations:

  • Limitations in vulnerability detection as specific bugs need manual insight
  • Can generate false positives

5. Nessus Professional

Nessus Professional - best penetration testing tools for enterprises

Key Features:

  • Platform: Windows, macOS
  • Pentest Capability: Automated vulnerability scans for web apps, mobile & cloud
  • Accuracy: False positives possible
  • Compliance: HIPAA, ISO, NIST, and PCI-DSS
  • Expert Remediation: Available at extra cost
  • Integration: IBM Security, Splunk, GitHub, and GitLab
  • Price: Starting at $4,236/yr

Nessus is a comprehensive tool under the Tenable umbrella that can identify and assess vulnerabilities in a wide range of IT systems. Its extensive vulnerability coverage and automation capabilities genuinely set it apart.

The compliance support by the commercial pentest tool across various standards and industries like PCI DSS, HIPAA, and ISO helps maintain year-round compliance.

Pros:

  • Easy to navigate and use UI
  • Scanning and reporting tasks can be automated 

Limitations:

  • Scanning timelines can be inconsistent
  • Custom asset tags require separate automation

6. IndusfaceWAS

IndusfaceWAS - web penetration testing tool for enterprises

Key Features:

  • Platform: Web applications
  • Pentest Capability: Continuous automated vulnerability scans and manual pentests
  • Accuracy: False positives possible
  • Compliance: SOC2, ISO and OWASP
  • Expert Remediation: Available at extra cost
  • Integration: Jira, GitHub, Slack, and Microsoft Teams 
  • Price: Starting at $199/app/month

IndusFaceWAS is a managed dynamic application security testing (DAST) tool that provides enterprises real-time monitoring, automated assessment, and manual penetration testing solutions.

The platform generates detailed reports, including proof of concept documentation, and facilitates compliance testing across various industry standards.

Pros:

  • Quick support and timely responsiveness
  • OWASP top 10 and SANS 25 detection

Limitations:

  • GUI is not very intuitive
  • Frequent scan update emails can be overwhelming

Penetration Testing Platforms for Security Analysts:

FeaturesAstra PentestKali LinuxNmap
Pentest CapabilitiesUnlimited and continuous automated scans with manual testsUnlimited Scans for vulnerability scanning, exploitation, privilege escalation, and post-exploitationUnlimited scans for network discovery, vulnerability scanning, service identification, and OS fingerprinting
TargetWeb apps, API, mobile, cloud, & networksOnline and physical systems, applications, &networksNetwork infrastructure, IoT devices, limited cloud instances
DeploymentSaaS/CloudInstaller packages for live boot and disk installationFlexible deployment through the command line, scripting, and graphical interface (Zenmap)
AccuracyZero false positivesFalse positives possibleFalse positives possible
PricingStarting at $199/monthOpen-sourceOpen-source

1. Kali Linux

Kali-Linux - popular penetration testing OS for security analysts

Key Features:

  • Target: Online and physical systems, applications, and networks
  • Pentest Capabilities: Unlimited Scans for vulnerability scanning, exploitation, privilege escalation, and post-exploitation
  • Deployment Capabilities: Installer packages for live boot and disk installation
  • Accuracy: False positives are possible
  • Price: Open-source OS

With 600+ pre-installed security tools, Kali Linux is a holistic software penetration testing OS that enables security to cover a wide breadth and depth of VAPT tasks ranging from initial assessment to post-exploitation analysis.

With extensive customization options, the OS provides extensive documentation, tutorials, and support to aid learning and troubleshooting.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive community support
  • Regular updates and patches
  • High-speed execution of tasks

Limitations:

  • Need to be fluent in Linux commands
  • Learning curve is steep for beginners

2. Nmap

Nmap - leading network penetration testing tool for security analysts

Key Features:

  • Target: Network infrastructure, IoT devices, limited cloud instances
  • Pentest Capabilities: Unlimited scans for network discovery, vulnerability scanning, service identification, and OS fingerprinting
  • Deployment Capabilities: Flexible deployment through the command line, scripting, and graphical interfaces
  • Accuracy: False positives are possible
  • Price: Open-source tool

Nmap is an open-source command line and network scanning tool that analyzes your network’s structure to find possible entry points and reveal running services on target systems. The operating system detection feature adds another layer of intelligence to its arsenal.

Nmap’s version detection capabilities and scriptable interaction through the NSE help security professionals automate tasks, improve scan capabilities, and create custom scripts for specific situations.

Pros:

  • Active Community to build and grow the tool
  • Versatile pentesting tool suitable for a wide range of applications
  • Powerful scripting capabilities for automation

Limitations:

  • A learning curve for beginners
  • Aggressive scanning techniques can be very intrusive at times

3. Wireshark

Wireshark dashboard - internal penetration testing tool for security analysts

Key Features:

  • Target: Network 
  • Pentest Capabilities: Vulnerability detection, deep packet inspection, and traffic analysis
  • Deployment Capabilities: Installer packages for traditional and portable versions
  • Accuracy: False positives are possible
  • Price: Open-source tool

As a prominent network packet analyzer, Wireshark is a versatile internal penetration testing tool that empowers security analysts to identify vulnerabilities in protocols, configurations, and applications.

It can analyze real-time and historical network traffic to reconstruct attack timelines, identify attack vectors, and understand attacker behavior.

Pros:

  • Powerful tool for troubleshooting network issues and security threats 
  • In-built filters facilitate analysis

Limitations:

  • Performance issues with large packets of data
  • Difficult for beginners to navigate

4. Nikto

Nikto - open-source penetration testing tool for security analysts

Key Features:

  • Target: Web applications and servers
  • Pentest Capabilities: Vulnerability and misconfiguration identification
  • Deployment Capabilities: Manual installation from source code
  • Accuracy: False positives are possible
  • Price: Open-source tool

As one of the best open-source penetration testing tools designed specifically for web apps and servers, Nikto has access to a wide variety of bug databases. It scans for 6700+ vulnerabilities, including outdated software, misconfigurations, and common exploits.

It helps security analysts identify open directories, insecure file permissions, and weak HTTP headers. Nikto also offers customization plugin support.

Pros:

  • Scans for over 6700+ vulnerabilities
  • Fosters a learning environment

Limitations:

  • May generate false positives that require manual vetting
  • Does not provide an in-depth analysis of vulnerability exploit and impact

5. W3af

W3af - web penetration testing software for security analysts

Key Features:

  • Target: Web applications 
  • Pentest Capabilities: Vulnerability scanning, threat exploitation, and attack simulation
  • Deployment Capabilities: Manual installation from source code and pre-built packages
  • Accuracy: False positives are possible
  • Price: Open-source tool

Web Application Attack and Audit Framework, better known as W3af, is a web application pentest scanning tool that offers manual pentesting capabilities. Unlike most open-source tools, it goes beyond identification to assess their impact and severity.

W3af also helps security analysts automate repetitive tasks like scanning and reporting to save time and effort, especially in the case of comprehensive security audits.

Pros:

  • Integrates well with DevSecOps practices
  • Supports multiple operating systems and manual exploit customizations

Limitations:

  • False positives are possible
  • GUI can be complex to navigate

Make your Website / Web Application the safest place on the Internet.

With our detailed and specially curated SaaS security checklist.

6. Aircrack-ng

Aircrack-ng - network penetration testing platform for security analysts

Key Features:

  • Target: Wireless networks
  • Pentest Capabilities: Password cracking, vulnerability assessment, traffic analysis, and wireless card testing
  • Deployment Capabilities: Can be installed from sources and specific pre-combined binaries
  • Accuracy: False positives are possible
  • Price: Open-source tool

As a pentest tool that exclusively focuses on wireless networks, Aircrack-ng helps automate various tasks for vulnerability assessment and pentesting the above. It gives security analysts a more holistic understanding of the network’s security posture.

Moreover, Aircrack-ng’s command-line interface facilitates customization, including attacks such as replay attacks, de-authentication, and fake access points.

Pros:

  • Tackles multiple stages of wireless network pentesting
  • Offers granular control through command-line options

Limitations:

  • Wireless compatibility can be an issue; isn’t effective in all cases

7. BeEF

BeEF - open-source pentesting tool for security analysts

Key Features:

  • Target: Web browsers
  • Pentest Capabilities: Social engineering for in-depth vulnerability assessments 
  • Deployment Capabilities: Can be installed from sources, pre-built packages, and via Docker 
  • Accuracy: False positives are possible
  • Price: Open-source tool

As the name suggests, the Browser Exploitation Framework, or BeEF, is an open-source pentest tool designed to evaluate the security of web browsers. It helps analysts simulate malicious attacks to identify vulnerabilities and assess the security posture. 

Once the security analyst has gained control of a browser, BeEF helps analyze post-exploitation impacts such as redirecting traffic, keystroke logging, and theft of sensitive data.

Pros:

  • Easy to install and configure
  • Hassle-free tool for beginners

Limitations:

  • User interface is comparatively tricky to navigate
  • Database configuration can be a little difficult

8. Ettercap

Ettercap - internal pentesting tool for security analysts

Key Features:

  • Target: Network infrastructure and web applications
  • Pentest Capabilities: Passive network sniffing, active attacks, and network analysis
  • Deployment Capabilities: Manual installation from source code and pre-built packages
  • Accuracy: False positives are possible
  • Price: Open-source tool

Ettercap is an open-source penetration testing tool that allows security analysts to analyze network traffic and simulate session hijacks, Man-in-the-Middle(MitM), and DOS attacks.

The tool also supports scripting languages and plugins to allow analysts to automate repetitive tasks and customize functionalities to their specific needs.

Pros:

  • Offers extensive scripting support
  • Community-developed plugins help enhance functionality

Limitations:

  • Cannot run on Windows 10
  • The interface is a little dated

9. Vega

Vega - web app pentest scanning tool for security analysts

Key Features:

  • Target: Web applications
  • Pentest Capabilities: Website crawling and automated scanning
  • Deployment Capabilities: Manual installation from source code and pre-built packages with JRE
  • Accuracy: False positives are possible
  • Price: Open-source tool

As an open-source web security scanner and penetration testing platform, Vega allows analysts to intercept and analyze web traffic, crawl web applications, and pinpoint vulnerabilities, including SSL/TLS misconfigurations.

The tool also facilitates JavaScript extensions to help tailor the pentest to a professional’s specific needs and gain a better understanding of complex application behavior.

Pros:

  • Offers extensive scripting support
  • Community-developed plugins help enhance functionality

Limitations:

  • Cannot run on Windows 10
  • The interface is a little dated

10. Zed Attack Proxy

ZAP dashboard - best penetration testing tool for security analysts

Key Features:

  • Target: Web applications
  • Pentest Capabilities: Automated and manual pentests, including 
  • Deployment Capabilities: Manual installation from source code pre-built packages and Docker 
  • Accuracy: False positives are possible
  • Price: Open-source tool

Zed Attack Proxy, or ZAP, is a web application security testing (WAST) tool primarily used for penetration testing. It acts as a MitM proxy, allowing security analysts to intercept, analyze, and modify web traffic between a browser and a web application.

In addition to pre-built scanners and manual pentest tools, it allows security analysts to manipulate sessions, fuzz, and launch brute-force attacks.

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface, especially for beginners
  • Community-developed plugins help enhance functionality

Limitations:

  • Can generate false positives necessitating manual vetting

Final Thoughts

The above list highlights some of the best penetration testing tools addressing the diverse needs of both enterprises and security analysts.

Astra & Rapid7 offer end-to-end pentesting, reporting, and workflow integration for enterprises seeking comprehensive suites.

Security analysts seeking deep, flexible, and user-friendly penetration testing tools for specific assets can leverage Kali Linux, ZAP, and Burp Suite. The importance of specialized tools like Wireshark, Aircrack-ng, and BeEF, of course, cannot be ignored.

With that said, platforms like Astra Pentest combine these benefits, offering a comprehensive PtaaS pentest tool solution ideal for both parties.

Ultimately, the quality of your penetration testing tool plays a crucial role in determining your cybersecurity culture’s growth rate and stability.

FAQs

What is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing is a security exercise where security experts search your systems for vulnerabilities using the processes a hacker would. And then attempt to exploit some of those vulnerabilities in order to find out their severity, and the risk they pose to the organization.

How are penetration testing and vulnerability assessments different?

Vulnerability assessments passively scan for known weaknesses, while penetration tests actively exploit vulnerabilities like an attacker. Pen tests offer in-depth analysis of exploitability and impact, while VA scans provide broad visibility with prioritization.

This post is part of a series on penetration testing, you can also check out other articles below.

Chapter 1. What is Penetration Testing
Chapter 2. Different Types of Penetration Testing?
Chapter 3. Top 5 Penetration Testing Methodology to Follow in 2024
Chapter 4. Ten Best Penetration Testing Companies and Providers
Chapter 5. Best Penetration Testing Tools Pros Use – Top List
Chapter 6. A Super Easy Guide on Penetration Testing Compliance
Chapter 7. Average Penetration Testing Cost in 2024
Chapter 8. Penetration Testing Services – Top Rated
Chapter 9. Penetration Testing Report

Saumick Basu

Saumick is a Technical Writer at Astra Security. He loves to write about technology and has deep interest in its evolution. Having written about spearheading disruptive technology like AI, and Machine Learning, and code reviews for a while, Information Security is his newfound love. He's ready to bring you along as he dives deeper.
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Ana Redondo
Ana Redondo
7 months ago

I think this is a excelent article, what is the source?

Psst! Hi there. We’re Astra.

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