Penetration testing is a valuable tool in the cyber security world. Without penetration testing, also known as “pentesting”, it’s almost impossible for security teams to know if their systems are effectively secured against threats.

If you’re interested in pentesting, you’ll need to become versed in blue team (defensive) and red team (offensive) tactics. The first step of this is understanding the six penetration testing stages.

1. Authorization, Information Gathering and Planning

The most important step of the penetration testing process is getting authorization to perform the test. Pentesting occurs in a controlled environment and is classified as a means of ethical hacking.…