A Comprehensive Guide to Penetration Testing: Steps, Tools, and Commands

In 2025, cyber threats are evolving rapidly, making penetration testing (pen testing) a critical security practice for businesses. Pen testing helps identify vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. This guide covers the key steps of penetration testing, along with essential tools and example commands used in ethical hacking.

Understanding Penetration Testing

Penetration testing is a simulated cyberattack against an organization’s IT infrastructure to uncover security weaknesses. It follows a structured approach based on industry-standard methodologies like:

NIST 800-115 (Technical Guide to Information Security Testing)

OWASP Testing Guide (For web applications)

MITRE ATT&CK Framework (Adversary tactics and techniques)

Pen testers use ethical hacking techniques to mimic real-world attacks, assess security risks, and recommend remediation strategies.

Penetration Testing Steps

Step 1: Reconnaissance (Information Gathering)

The first step is gathering as much information as possible about the target. This includes domain names, IP addresses, open ports, and employee details.