CompTIA PenTest+ Practice Test

What is the first action to take once a PenTest is complete?

1. Report findings to stakeholders

2. Gather lessons learned

3. Remove any shells and tools

4. Plan for the next test

The correct answer is: Remove any shells and tools

The first action to take once a penetration test is complete is to report findings to stakeholders. This step is crucial because it involves communicating the results of the test, which includes vulnerabilities discovered, their potential impacts, and recommendations for remediation. Stakeholders, which may include management, IT teams, and security personnel, need this information to assess the security posture of the organization and make informed decisions regarding risk management and resource allocation. While addressing the removal of shells and tools is important for maintaining security and ensuring that no backdoors or tools are left that could be exploited, it should follow the reporting process. The lessons learned discussion can also be valuable for future improvements, but again, it should happen after stakeholders have been informed of the immediate and critical findings from the test. Planning for the next test is a long-term consideration that comes later in the process once the current test findings have been assessed and addressed.