What term refers to the process of trying to uncover weaknesses in a system?

The term that refers to the process of trying to uncover weaknesses in a system is penetration testing. This process involves simulating real-world attacks on a system to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an attacker. It goes beyond merely detecting possible security flaws; it actively engages with the system to test its defenses and response to various attack techniques.

Penetration testing is a proactive approach to security, as it helps organizations discover vulnerabilities before they can be exploited maliciously. The results of penetration tests can provide critical information to improve system security, tailor security policies, and enhance overall risk management.

While vulnerability scanning is also focused on identifying weaknesses, it typically involves automated tools that check for known vulnerabilities without exploiting them, making it less comprehensive than penetration testing. Incident response relates to the actions taken after a security breach occurs, rather than the proactive search for vulnerabilities. Continuous monitoring involves ongoing assessment of systems to detect changes or threats rather than uncovering specific weaknesses through testing.