What is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing, or pen testing, is a security assessment method used professionally by IT companies where individuals act as ethical hackers to simulate cyberattacks on systems, networks, or applications. The goal of this is to identify vulnerabilities.
Penetration testing helps organisations discover weaknesses and gaps in security before malicious activity can exploit them This ensuring that the security measures are working as intended.
The process includes planning, testing, exploiting vulnerabilities, and reporting findings with recommendations for areas of improvement. This proactive approach is essential for protecting sensitive data and maintaining the security of your in-house IT systems.
What are the Goals of Penetration Testing?
The goal of a penetration test is to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by a malicious attacker, and to determine the level of risk posed by these vulnerabilities.
Penetration testing is a crucial component of an overall security program and is often used to complement other security measures such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
How is Penetration Testing Performed?
Penetration testing can be performed in a variety of ways, including manual testing, automated testing, and hybrid testing. Manual testing involves a human tester using manual methods to try and penetrate a system, while automated testing uses software tools to perform the testing.
Hybrid testing combines the strengths of both manual and automated testing, leveraging the knowledge and expertise of human testers with the speed and efficiency of automated tools.
Types of Penetration Test
White Box
Penetration testing based on being given network access and account details. This is for assessing the ‘insider threat’ of a current or ex-employee.
Grey Box
As per white box, but without usernames and passwords supplied. Perhaps an attacker has specific knowledge of the business but not full details.
Black Box
Starting from just a web address, the test starts with no prior knowledge. Everything discovered in the testing is learned from scratch, as per an assailant who doesn’t know you.
We have a regular partner organisation for cyber security audits and assessments. They are specialists in the field, with staff who have backgrounds in matters of national security. They can provide third-party assurance of the security of work undertaken by anyone. In fact, we use them to advise on, and test, our own information security measures.
Process of Penetration Testing
1. Planning & Scoping
The first step involves defining the objectives and scope of the penetration test. This includes identifying which systems, networks, or applications will be tested and outlining the type of test to perform (e.g., black-box, white-box, or gray-box testing)
2. Information Gathering
In this phase our team will aim to collect as much information as possible about the target systems, networks, and applications through either Passive or Active reconnaissance. Both involve gathering key information that helps guide what the nature of the test wiln involve.
3. Vulnerability Analysis
This next step identifies security flaws within any systems or applications by analysing the data gathered during previous phase. Automated tools like Burp Suite, Qualys, or OpenVAS will help us to identify known vulnerabilities such as outdated software, weak passwords, or unpatched systems.
4. Exploitation
During exploitation, our testers will simulate actual attacks to exploit identified vulnerabilities and assess their potential impact. This phase validates whether identified vulnerabilities can be exploited to gain unauthorised access .The goal is not to cause harm but to demonstrate how an attacker could compromise the system.
5. Post-Test Impact Analysis
After a successful pentration testing exploitation, our testers will evaluate the extent of any potential damage or risks. They examine the level of access obtained, the data compromised, and the actions an attacker could take with the gained privileges.
6. Reporting
The findings of the penetration test are compiled into a comprehensive report. This document includes detailed descriptions of identified vulnerabilities, the methods used to exploit them, and their potential impact on your business. Each vulnerability is assigned a risk rating.
The results of a penetration test can be used to prioritize and prioritize the remediation of vulnerabilities, as well as to demonstrate the effectiveness of existing security controls. Penetration testing can also be used to validate the effectiveness of security improvements, such as software patches and configuration changes.
Overall, penetration testing helps organizations to understand the security posture of their systems and to make informed decisions about how to improve the security of their networks and systems.
Speak to Our Experts
If you’re interested in our penetration testing services, want to find out more about the advantages of this activity, or are looking to discover more of our comprehensive cyber security services, get in touch to speak with one of our many in-house IT experts:
