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AQA GCSE · Question 16.1 · Cyber security
Explain what penetration testing is.
Explain what penetration testing is.
How to approach this question
1. Start by defining the core activity: what is being done? (Simulating an attack on a system).
2. State the purpose: why is this done? (To find security vulnerabilities or weaknesses).
3. Explain the ultimate goal: what is the outcome? (To fix the vulnerabilities before a real attacker finds them).
4. Mention who does it: ethical hackers.
Full Answer
Penetration testing, often called "pen testing" or "ethical hacking," is a proactive cybersecurity practice. It involves authorized professionals simulating a cyberattack on a computer system, network, or web application. The primary goal is to identify and exploit security vulnerabilities in the same way a malicious attacker would. By discovering these weaknesses in a controlled manner, an organization can then fix (or "patch") them before they can be exploited by real attackers.
Common mistakes
✗ Confusing it with other security measures like firewalls or anti-virus software.
✗ Vague answers like "it tests the system" or "it makes it secure".
✗ Describing it as a real, malicious attack rather than a simulated, authorized one.
Practice the full AQA GCSE Computer Science Paper 2
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