What is penetration testing primarily used for?

Penetration testing is primarily used to legally access data and computing resources in order to identify vulnerabilities within a system. Organizations conduct these tests to simulate the actions of potential attackers, allowing them to evaluate the security of their networks, applications, and systems. By doing so, they can discover weaknesses that might be exploited by malicious actors, thereby helping to enhance their overall security posture.

Through penetration testing, companies can proactively address and fix security flaws before they are exploited, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and maintaining regulatory compliance. This practice emphasizes the ethical aspect of testing, as it is conducted with permission from the organization that owns the system.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary purpose of penetration testing. While techniques may be developed or skills honed during the process, these are not the main goals; rather, the central focus is on assessing security and improving defenses against potential breaches.