What is a key consideration when determining allowable tests in a pen testing engagement?

When determining allowable tests in a penetration testing engagement, a key consideration is identifying social engineering and physical penetration testing actions. This is crucial because penetration testing encompasses a variety of techniques and approaches, including those that exploit human psychology (social engineering) and evaluate physical security measures. Understanding which social engineering tactics, such as phishing or pretexting, can be employed, as well as what physical tests (such as attempts to access or bypass physical barriers), are permitted is vital for ensuring that the engagement remains within the agreed-upon scope and legal boundaries.

Establishing these parameters at the outset helps to protect both the testing organization and the client. It ensures that the testing team does not inadvertently conduct unauthorized actions that could lead to legal repercussions or compromise sensitive assets unnecessarily, thereby promoting a responsible and ethical assessment of security.

While tool selection, reporting findings, and the duration of the engagement are important aspects of a penetration test, they are secondary to defining the types of tests and methods that can be employed, as they focus primarily on execution and aftermath rather than the foundational understanding of what the engagement entails.