The purpose of stress testing in network security is to evaluate a system's robustness and resilience under extreme load conditions. Stress tests simulate various attack scenarios or heavy traffic to identify vulnerabilities, performance bottlenecks, and potential points of failure within the network infrastructure. By understanding how systems respond to adverse conditions, organizations can implement necessary security measures to enhance their defenses, minimizing the risk of security breaches and service interruptions. This proactive approach aids in ensuring robust network reliability during high-stress situations.