A Step-by-Step Guide to Penetration Testing Methodology

A pentesting methodology refers to the structured approach and techniques used by ethical hackers to evaluate security vulnerabilities in a system. A well-defined methodology ensures consistency and effectiveness in penetration testing. It typically includes phases such as reconnaissance (gathering intelligence), scanning (identifying vulnerabilities), exploitation (attempting attacks), post-exploitation (assessing potential impact), and reporting (documenting findings and recommendations). Frameworks like OWASP, NIST, and PTES provide standardized methodologies for penetration testing, helping organizations ensure thorough security assessments and compliance with industry best practices.