Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of conducting a penetration test?

1. Enhancing system security

2. Identifying vulnerabilities

3. Improving incident response

4. Hide real risks

The correct answer is: Hide real risks

Conducting a penetration test is aimed at uncovering and addressing vulnerabilities within a system, thereby enhancing system security. It proactively assesses how well a system can withstand an attempted breach, leading to the enhancement of security measures in place and reinforcing the defenses of the system. Identifying vulnerabilities is a crucial component of penetration testing. It enables organizations to discover weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers, helping them to prioritize remediation efforts and fortify their systems. Improving incident response is also a significant benefit of penetration testing. By simulating real-world attacks, organizations can test their incident response plans, allowing them to identify gaps in their processes and improve their ability to effectively respond to actual security incidents. In contrast, hiding real risks contradicts the fundamental purpose of penetration testing. Rather than obscuring vulnerabilities, penetration tests are designed to reveal them so that organizations are aware of their security posture and can take necessary actions to address any identified risks. Hence, this option stands out as not being a benefit of conducting a penetration test.