Certified Governance Risk and Compliance (CGRC) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

The classification of penetration tests typically includes terms that describe the level of knowledge the tester has about the system being tested. The three widely recognized types are partial-knowledge, zero-knowledge, and full-knowledge tests.

A partial-knowledge test involves some information being provided to the testers about the environment, allowing them to effectively target their efforts. A zero-knowledge test simulates an outsider's perspective, where the tester has no prior knowledge of the system, thus offering insights into vulnerabilities that an unprivileged user might exploit. A full-knowledge test gives the testers complete access and insight into the system, simulating an insider's approach.

In contrast, "cursory test" is not a recognized category of penetration testing. Hence, it does not fit within the established frameworks used in the field of cybersecurity, which centers around the levels of knowledge as described. Understanding these classifications helps organizations conduct appropriate penetration testing based on their specific security needs and compliance requirements.