What are the differences between penetration testing and vulnerability assessment?

What are the differences between penetration testing and vulnerability assessment?

Penetration testing simulates real attacks to exploit vulnerabilities, while vulnerability assessment identifies and ranks vulnerabilities.

Can you explain the purpose of each?

Sure! Penetration testing aims to find and exploit vulnerabilities to assess security, while vulnerability assessment focuses on identifying and prioritizing weaknesses.

Which one should I choose for my organization?

It depends on your needs. If you want to test your defenses against real-world attacks, go for penetration testing. If you need a comprehensive overview of vulnerabilities, choose a vulnerability assessment.

How often should I conduct these tests?

It's recommended to conduct vulnerability assessments regularly, such as quarterly, and penetration tests at least annually or after significant changes.