Professional Answer:
Security testing is a systematic and methodical evaluation of a software application or system to identify and address vulnerabilities and weaknesses in its security mechanisms. The primary goal of security testing is to ensure that the application can withstand potential security threats and attacks, protecting sensitive data and maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.

Security testing encompasses a range of activities, including:

1. Vulnerability Assessment: Identifying and assessing potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the application or system.
2. Penetration Testing: Simulating real-world attacks to exploit vulnerabilities and assess the effectiveness of security measures in place.
3. Security Auditing: Reviewing and validating security controls, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices.
4. Security Scanning: Using automated tools to scan for known security issues, misconfigurations, and common vulnerabilities.
5. Risk Assessment: Evaluating the overall security posture by assessing potential risks and their impact on the application or system.

Security testing is an integral part of the software development life cycle, helping organizations identify and rectify security flaws early in the process. It contributes to building robust and secure applications, reducing the risk of security breaches, and ensuring the protection of sensitive information.

Key Tips:

• Define security testing as a systematic evaluation of software or systems for identifying vulnerabilities.
• Mention the primary goals of security testing: confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
• Highlight the various activities involved, such as vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, security auditing, security scanning, and risk assessment.