What is the primary purpose of penetration testing?

The primary purpose of penetration testing is to simulate attacks and identify weaknesses in a system or network. This involves intentionally probing the system for vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious users. By mimicking the strategies and techniques used by actual attackers, penetration testing helps organizations discover security gaps before they can be exploited.

Through this process, security teams can pinpoint areas in the system where defenses are lacking, allowing them to strengthen those vulnerabilities and improve the overall security posture. This proactive approach is essential for safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining system integrity.

While the other options address important aspects of an organization's cybersecurity and operational practices, they do not align with the specific goal of penetration testing. Reducing software complexity, evaluating employee awareness, and managing user permissions all play roles in a comprehensive security strategy, but they are not directly related to the simulated attack methodology and vulnerability assessment that penetration testing provides.