What is one of the primary goals of passive information gathering?

One of the primary goals of passive information gathering is to collect intelligence without alerting the target. This technique involves gathering data from publicly available sources or non-intrusive methods, such as analyzing social media profiles, public records, or other internet-based information that does not directly interact with the target system. By doing so, an attacker or security professional can accumulate valuable insights about the target's infrastructure, personnel, or operational procedures while remaining undetected, thus not raising any alarms that might prompt countermeasures or increased security.

This approach is particularly significant in the reconnaissance phase of penetration testing, as it allows for a thorough understanding of the target's potential vulnerabilities without the risks associated with active scanning or probing, which can often trigger security alerts. The advantage of passive information gathering lies in its ability to inform further strategies or more invasive testing methods later in the penetration process while minimizing the risk of exposure.