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Application & OT Security · Foundational

Penetration Testing Phases

The typical sequence of a penetration test: planning and scoping, reconnaissance, scanning and enumeration, exploitation, post-exploitation, and reporting.

Definition

Frameworks name the phases differently (PTES, NIST SP 800-115, the PenTest+ objectives), but all start with authorization and planning and end with reporting and remediation verification. Each phase produces evidence used in the final report.

Example

NIST SP 800-115 summarizes testing as planning, discovery, attack and reporting.

Exam tip

Know the order; reporting and cleanup are part of the engagement, not optional extras.

Related terms