For a realistic penetration test, what type should Saria conduct to persuade management of network vulnerabilities?

In the context of penetration testing, the term "black box" refers to a testing approach where the tester has no prior knowledge of the network or its architecture. This simulates a real-world attack scenario where an attacker would not possess any internal information about the system being targeted.

By conducting a black box test, Saria can effectively demonstrate how an external threat actor would attempt to exploit vulnerabilities within the organization’s network. This provides a clear perspective to management on the potential risks their systems face from outside attacks, reinforcing the importance of implementing security measures.

The nature of black box testing serves to highlight real vulnerabilities and security gaps that could be exploited, thus enabling management to see the urgency and necessity of addressing these issues. This type of testing can be highly influential in garnering the attention of management regarding security investments and prioritizing risk mitigation strategies.