# What is the difference between pentest and penetration testing?


## Introduction:

Penetration testing and pentesting are two terms that are often used interchangeably in the cybersecurity industry, but they are not the same thing. In this blog, we will explain the difference between pentesting and [**penetration testing services**](https://www.alphabold.com/penetration-testing-services/), and how they differ in terms of methodology, scope, and goals.

### Pentesting vs. Penetration Testing

Pentesting is a shortened version of the term penetration testing, and refers to the process of testing a computer system, network, or web application to find vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an attacker. Penetration testing, on the other hand, is a more formal and structured process that involves a team of trained professionals who simulate a real-world attack on a system in order to identify weaknesses that could be exploited by an attacker.

### Methodology

The methodology used in pentesting and penetration testing is one of the key differences between the two. Pentesting is typically a less formal process than penetration testing, and often involves a single person or a small team of people who use automated tools and manual techniques to identify vulnerabilities in a system. The focus of pentesting is on finding vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an attacker, rather than following a specific methodology or framework.

In contrast, penetration testing is a more formal process that follows a specific methodology or framework, such as the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) or the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES). Penetration testing typically involves a larger team of professionals who use a variety of tools and techniques to test a system, including network scanning, vulnerability scanning, and manual testing.

# Scope

Another key difference between [**pentesting**](https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/security/glossary/what-is-penetration-testinghttps://) and penetration testing is the scope of the testing. Pentesting is often focused on a specific system or application, and may only test a small part of the overall system. The scope of pentesting is typically defined by the client, and may be limited by factors such as time and budget constraints.

Penetration testing, on the other hand, is typically more comprehensive and may test multiple systems or applications within an organization. The scope of penetration testing is often defined by the testing team, in consultation with the client, and may include a wide range of systems and applications.

Goals

The goals of pentesting and penetration testing are also different. The goal of pentesting is typically to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an attacker, and to provide recommendations for remediation. The focus is on finding vulnerabilities that could be used to gain unauthorized access to a system or application.

The goal of penetration testing is broader, and may include not only identifying vulnerabilities, but also testing the effectiveness of an organization's security controls, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls. The focus is on testing the overall security posture of an organization, and identifying weaknesses that could be exploited by an attacker.

## Keynotes:

In conclusion, while pentesting and penetration testing are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Pentesting is a less formal process that is typically focused on finding vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an attacker, while penetration testing is a more comprehensive and structured process that tests the overall security posture of an organization.

Both types of **[quality assurance services](https://www.alphabold.com/quality-assurance/)** are important for identifying and addressing security weaknesses, and can help organizations to improve their security posture and reduce the risk of a successful cyberattack.