In a cybersecurity firm, the IT department is preparing for a penetration testing engagement to assess the organization's security posture. The team has decided to conduct an external penetration test on the company's public$-$facing web applications and networks. The primary goal is to identify vulnerabilities and potential entry points for attackers. To ensure a smooth testing process and avoid misunderstandings, the IT team has collaborated with the company's management and relevant stakeholders to establish the assessment's rules of engagement $($ROE$).$ What is the purpose of establishing ROE in a penetration testing engagement?

A$.$To define the scope of the assessment, testing methods, and timeframe for conducting the test

B$.$To ensure the penetration test results are shared with external parties to strengthen collaboration

C$.$To allow penetration testers unrestricted access to all systems and data within the organization

D$.$To eliminate all security vulnerabilities identified during the testing process