What is the primary purpose of penetration testing in a security framework?

The primary purpose of penetration testing within a security framework is to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. This testing simulates real-world attacks on systems, networks, and applications to uncover weaknesses that could be used for unauthorized access or data breaches. By proactively assessing security measures through these simulated attacks, organizations gain critical insights into their security posture, allowing them to remediate vulnerabilities before they are discovered and exploited by real attackers. This process is essential in maintaining the overall security and integrity of a system, helping organizations strengthen their defenses and protect sensitive data.