Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET) Practice Exam

Where in the CI/CD pipeline is the best place to conduct automated penetration testing?

1. Coding

2. Integration

3. Testing

4. Deployment

The correct answer is: Testing

Conducting automated penetration testing during the testing phase of the CI/CD pipeline is optimal due to the purpose and timing of such assessments. The testing stage is specifically designed to verify the software’s functionality, security, and performance under different conditions. By integrating automated penetration testing here, teams can identify vulnerabilities before the application is pushed into production. Penetration testing at this point allows for the assessment of the application's security posture in an environment that closely resembles the production setup. This helps identify potential security issues and weaknesses early on, allowing developers and security teams to address these vulnerabilities promptly. Additionally, performing penetration tests during the testing phase supports an agile approach to software development, as it encourages continuous security assessments and further reinforces the concept of "shifting security left" in the development process. This strategy enhances the overall security posture of the application and reduces the risk of introducing vulnerabilities into the production environment.