After installing additional tools, what phase do penetration testers typically return to?

After installing additional tools, penetration testers typically return to the phase of gaining access. This phase is critical in a penetration test, as it involves exploiting vulnerabilities identified in the initial stages to gain unauthorized access to systems. When new tools are introduced, they may offer capabilities that enhance the attack vector or provide more efficient exploitation of vulnerabilities. Thus, the return to gaining access allows the penetration tester to apply these new tools effectively to see if they can breach security measures and access sensitive data.

In the context of a penetration test, this is an iterative process. Testers may often need to loop back to earlier phases as they discover new information or capabilities that open up different avenues for access. This is part of the dynamic nature of penetration testing, where the findings from each phase inform the actions taken in subsequent phases. Overall, gaining access is a fundamental stage, and leveraging newly installed tools maximizes the effectiveness of the testing process.