In the world of cybersecurity, knowing how to run a penetration test is of vital importance. A penetration test, also known as a 'pen test', operates as a simulated cyber attack against your system to check for exploitable vulnerabilities. In essence, it's a controlled form of hacking where the 'tester' operates on your behalf to expose weak points in your system which a hacker could potentially exploit.

The need for running penetration tests has increased exponentially with the persistent growth of cyber threats. If you're new to this form of testing, here's a comprehensive guide on how to run a penetration test effectively.

Step 1: Defining the Scope and Goals

The first step in how to run a penetration test is defining the scope and goals of the test. It involves establishing the systems to be tested and the testing methods to use. This stage could also include defining the success criteria for the test. Having a clearly outlined scope helps avoid any legal and technical problems that may arise during the test.

Step 2: Gathering of Information

The second important step on how to run a penetration test is gathering information. Obtaining details about the target system is crucial for planning your attack. Information such as IP addresses, domain details, mail servers and other relevant data can provide insightful information about potential vulnerabilities in the target system.

Step 3: Threat Modeling

This stage involves identifying potential threats to the system. Understanding the system from a hacker's point of view is vital on how to run a penetration test. At this phase, you might want to ask questions like: What parts of the system are most attractive to hackers? What data are they after? How might they attempt to gain access?

Step 4: Vulnerability Analysis

This is where you attempt to find as many vulnerabilities in the target system as possible. Tools like Nessus, OpenVAS, and Wireshark can help tremendously in this phase of how to run a penetration test. Understanding the vulnerabilities that exist in your system will help you focus your efforts strategically.

Step 5: Exploitation

At this phase of how to run a penetration test, the tester tries to exploit the identified vulnerabilities. The main goal is to understand how much damage can be done from these vulnerabilities. Again, it's important to highlight that this testing should fall within the defined scope to avoid any potential legal issues.

Step 6: Post-Exploitation

This is a crucial phase on how to run a penetration test, as it aims to determine the value of the exploited system and to maintain control for later use. It shows what kind of data an attacker can access and what further systems can be targeted following a successful exploit.

Step 7: Analysis and Reporting

The final step in how to run a penetration test is to analyze the results and compile a detailed report. The report should include an overview of the conducted test, vulnerabilities found, data that were exploited, and how long the tester had access to the system. Additionally, this should also include recommendations for ways to remediate identified vulnerabilities to secure the system.

In conclusion, understanding how to run a penetration test is of immense value in securing your systems from nefarious attacks. Nonetheless, it's vital to note that Penetration testing is just one part of a broader security plan. A single test might not uncover every single weakness, and only performing tests irregularly can leave systems exposed to newly discovered vulnerabilities. Keep your systems safe by performing penetration tests as a routine part of your ongoing cybersecurity effort.