What is a primary goal of a penetration tester when employed by an organization?

The primary goal of a penetration tester when employed by an organization is to simulate cyber attacks for vulnerability assessment. This process involves mimicking the tactics, techniques, and procedures that real attackers might use to exploit security weaknesses in the organization’s systems. By conducting these simulations, penetration testers are able to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them, allowing the organization to implement necessary security measures to protect sensitive data and assets.

The essence of a penetration test lies in its proactive approach to security: instead of waiting for an attack to occur, penetration testers actively search for and help remediate potential vulnerabilities. This contributes significantly to the overall security posture of an organization, ensuring that systems are fortified against real-world threats.

The other choices do not align with the ethical and professional responsibilities of a penetration tester. Engaging in unauthorized access, for instance, contradicts the ethical standards of the profession, as the tester operates under a legal framework and with the organization’s consent. Similarly, while increasing company profits and creating user accounts might be part of a broader security strategy, they are not the primary functions of a penetration tester. The focus remains squarely on providing a thorough evaluation of security vulnerabilities to strengthen defenses against future attacks.