Which assessment technique is performed from the viewpoint of a potential attacker to identify security vulnerabilities?

Penetration testing is a security assessment technique specifically designed to simulate an attack from the perspective of a potential attacker. It involves a controlled approach where security professionals attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in a system, network, or application. The goal of penetration testing is not just to identify weaknesses but also to demonstrate how those weaknesses could be utilized in a real-world attack scenario. By doing so, organizations can gain insights into how their defenses hold up against actual threat actors and prioritize remediation based on the identified vulnerabilities' potential impact.

In contrast, vulnerability scanning focuses on identifying known vulnerabilities without the context of exploitation. Risk assessments evaluate potential risks to an organization in a broader sense, considering both the likelihood and impact of threats, but they don't specifically simulate attacker behavior. Compliance audits assess adherence to specific standards and regulations without necessarily involving a direct attack simulation. Each of these methods serves its purpose in a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, but penetration testing uniquely targets the perspective of would-be attackers.