Abstract

The increasing complexity and openness of university network infrastructures have rendered them highly susceptible to various cybersecurity threats. In response, penetration testing has emerged as a widely recommended approach to proactively identify system vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. This study investigates the effectiveness of penetration testing within the context of higher education institutions by conducting a systematic review of relevant academic literature published between 2020 and 2024. Rather than performing empirical testing, this research synthesizes previous findings from peer-reviewed journals, case studies, and technical reports to explore the methodologies, tools, implementation strategies, and outcomes associated with penetration testing in university environments. The findings suggest that, although penetration testing offers significant benefits in improving network security posture and institutional awareness, its overall effectiveness is influenced by several contextual factors, including administrative support, technical expertise, and the scope of engagement. This study contributes a structured overview of current practices and challenges, providing a foundation for future research and policy development in cybersecurity strategies for academic institutions.