What does a penetration test do that a Vulnerability Scan does NOT?

 A penetration test, unlike a vulnerability scan, is an in-depth process where security professionals actively attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in a system. The goal is to simulate a real-world attack to understand how an attacker could exploit vulnerabilities and to determine the potential impact. This involves not just identifying vulnerabilities, as a scan does, but also attempting to exploit them to understand the full extent of the risk. Penetration tests are typically manual or semi-automated and involve a variety of tools and techniques to uncover and exploit security weaknesses, which can include common tools like Nmap, Nessus, and Metasploit.

References: The distinction between penetration testing and vulnerability scanning is well-documented in cybersecurity literature and aligns with industry best practices. Penetration testing is a critical component of an organization’s security strategy, providing a realistic assessment of security defenses12