Physical penetration testing is a type of security assessment that evaluates the physical security measures of an organization by simulating real-world attacks. Unlike digital or network penetration testing, which focuses on cyber defenses, physical penetration testing targets the physical barriers that protect a company’s facilities, data centers, and sensitive information. This form of testing aims to identify weaknesses in physical access controls, surveillance, barriers, and response procedures.

In a physical penetration test, authorized security professionals (penetration testers) use a variety of tactics to attempt unauthorized access to secure areas. This may include techniques such as tailgating, lock picking, bypassing electronic access systems, or finding vulnerabilities in building security policies. The objective is to uncover any gaps that could allow an attacker to physically breach the organization’s security perimeter and access sensitive data or infrastructure.

Physical penetration testing is particularly valuable for industries that handle critical data, like finance, healthcare, and government, where physical breaches could lead to severe data loss, theft, or operational disruption. The insights gained from this testing allow organizations to strengthen physical security measures, improve employee training, and establish protocols for managing and responding to unauthorized access attempts, ultimately reinforcing their overall security posture.