What should be clearly defined in the scope of a penetration test?

The boundaries of the test, including the specific systems and applications to be assessed, must be clearly defined in the scope of a penetration test to ensure that both the testing team and the organization have a mutual understanding of what is included in the engagement. This clarity helps to protect organizational assets by specifying which systems are in-scope for testing and which are not, thus preventing any potential impacts on sensitive systems outside of the agreed-upon boundaries.

By defining these boundaries, the testing team can focus their efforts effectively and the organization can mitigate risks associated with testing activities, such as unintended downtime or security incidents outside the agreed scope. Clearly defined boundaries also streamline the testing process and enhance communication between stakeholders, as both parties can consistently refer to the defined scope throughout the engagement.