In cybersecurity, there’s an old saying: It’s not if you’ll get hacked, it’s when. While that might sound like something out of a paranoid thriller, unfortunately, it’s more reality than fiction in today’s digital world.
That is where penetration testing — often fondly dubbed “pen testing” by those in the know — comes in. It’s a part of cybersecurity, donning its armor to ensure your digital assets are battle-ready. But what exactly is penetration testing, and why should you care?
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Defining Pen Testing
Penetration testing is a proactive cybersecurity measure where authorized experts simulate cyberattacks on your systems, applications, or networks to identify vulnerabilities before the bad guys do.
Imagine if a bank hired a skilled burglar to attempt a break-in — not to steal, but to find the weaknesses in their security systems. That’s penetration testing in a nutshell.
Better penetration testing, than needing digital forensics later is the new “better safe than sorry.”
Types of Pen Testing
Penetration is not a one-size-fits-all affair. Different scenarios call for different types of cybersecurity and different types of tests, each tailored to uncover specific vulnerabilities.
- Network penetration testing
- Web application penetration testing
- Social engineering penetration testing
- Physical penetration testing
Network Penetration Testing
This is your bread-and-butter pen testing. Network penetrations tests focus on identifying security gaps in your wired and wireless networks. Think of it as a digital perimeter check, where the tester looks for open doors and windows in your network security.
Web Application Penetration Testing
With the explosion of web apps, this form of testing is more critical than ever. It involves probing web applications for vulnerabilities like SQL injections, cross-site scripting (XSS), and more. In other words, it’s all about making sure your website doesn’t have a digital Kick Me sign taped to it.
Social Engineering Penetration Testing
Here’s a fun one: This test involves attempts to trick employees into giving up sensitive information, like passwords and other credentials and compromise identity and access management. Think of it as a phishing trip where the tester tries to reel in unsuspecting users.
Physical Penetration Testing
Yes, this type of pen testing actually involves physical entry attempts. The tester might try to break into your office to see if they can access sensitive information. It’s less about hacking and more about sneaking in the back door.
Benefits of Pen Testing
You might be thinking: Why should I invite someone to try and hack my systems? But the benefits of cybersecurity and penetration testing are crystal clear.
- Identify vulnerabilities before attackers do: The primary benefit is finding security gaps before they’re exploited. It’s like fixing a leak before it turns into a flood.
- Compliance and regulatory requirements: Many industries require regular pen testing to comply with regulations like General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), or Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). It’s not just good practice; it’s often a legal requirement.
- Improved security posture: Penetration testing helps to refine your security policies, incident response plans, and overall security posture. It’s like a drill for your cybersecurity defenses, ensuring they’re ready for the real deal.
- Cost savings: Discovering and fixing vulnerabilities through pen testing can save your organization from costly breaches, fines, and reputational damage. It’s an investment in your peace of mind.
Who Performs Pen Testing?
Now that we’re familiar with the idea of penetration testing, the next logical question is: Who should I hire to do this? The answer: A professional penetration testing agency that knows its way around firewalls — and a phishing scam.
Let’s go through some use cases to give you a taste of what a penetration agency can do and prevent for you.
1. Aardwolf Security
- Minimal budget: $1,000 - $10,000
- Average hourly rate: $120/hr
- Notable clients: YunoJuno, Select Car Leasing, IPEC
Aardwolf Security helps UK businesses identify security risks and vulnerabilities through various forms of penetration testing. The agency offers penetration testing to the highest standards as all its consultants are of a senior level with at least 5 years of experience working in the penetration testing consultancy space and holding numerous qualifications from CREST, Cyber Scheme, and Offensive Security.
One of its clients, a renowned financial institution, identified a potential backdoor in its transaction system upon conducting a routine vulnerability assessment. Immediate action was taken to rectify the issue, preventing what could have been a multi-million dollar fraud.
2. Strobes
- Minimal budget: Inquire
- Average hourly rate: Inquire
- Notable clients: DELL, GHX, Zoho Corporation
Strobes streamlines the complexities of security management, providing solutions that empower businesses to thrive in an increasingly secure digital landscape. Their commitment lies in pioneering innovative and cutting-edge security solutions, empowering clients with peace of mind and enabling them to embrace the limitless possibilities of the digital age.
Strobes strengthened the cybersecurity of a $35 billion Indian eCommerce giant, addressing its limited network visibility and inconsistent security measures. By deploying advanced attack surface management, the agency uncovered 40% more assets, centralized the client’s cyber asset inventory, and conducted red teaming exercises to simulate real-world breaches.
This comprehensive approach significantly enhanced the client’s Security Operations Center (SOC) and overall defenses, better preparing them to counter modern cyber threats.
3. Bluefire Redteam
- Minimal budget: $1,000 - $10,000
- Average hourly rate: $20/hr
- Notable clients: Nkenne, Cybersecurity Finland, 1app
Bluefire Redteam is a global cybersecurity provider specializing in proactive and customized security solutions. With expertise in penetration testing, red team assessments, and managed SOC services, the company serves over 50 clients worldwide.
Bluefire Redteam conducted a security assessment for a fintech company with over 5,000 users, uncovering a critical vulnerability in its AWS infrastructure. During testing, the agency found temporary access credentials linked to test user accounts, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in S3 buckets, including SQL database dumps and AWS account backups.
Bluefire responsibly reported the issue, allowing the fintech company to quickly address the vulnerability, thereby preventing potential financial losses and ensuring the security of its platform.
How To Do a Penetration Testing?
So, you’ve decided to go ahead with penetration testing. What’s next?
The process is methodical, following a series of phases designed to cover all bases. Let’s break it down.
Planning and Reconnaissance
Before any testing begins, the scope of the penetration test is determined. This involves the list of systems or applications that will be tested, setting up the rules of engagement, and obtaining necessary permissions.
Reconnaissance, also known as information gathering, is a phase about collecting as much data as possible about the target. Testers might scour the web, social media, and even use technical tools to gather information on the systems and personnel involved.
Scanning
This phase involves using cybersecurity tools to scan the target systems for vulnerabilities. Two types of vulnerability scans are commonly used: static and dynamic analysis.
Static analysis involves scanning the code of the applications without executing them. It helps in identifying potential vulnerabilities in the source code.
Dynamic analysis is the opposite of static analysis, where the application is tested in a running state. It helps in identifying how the application behaves in real-world scenarios.
Gaining Access
This is where the real hacking happens. Testers use various methods and techniques to exploit vulnerabilities identified in the scanning phase. The goal is to gain access to sensitive data or control over the systems.
Maintaining Access
Once access is gained, the next step is to see if the tester can maintain that access. This phase simulates a situation where an attacker stays in the system undetected, gathering data over time.
Analysis and Reporting
Finally, the tester compiles a report detailing the vulnerabilities found, the level of DevOps security, the methods used to exploit them, and recommendations for fixing the issues. This report is often presented to the company’s leadership, who will decide the next steps.
Actions Taken After Pen Testing
A successful pen test doesn’t just end with a report — it’s the start of creating a roadmap and revising your incident response plan.
- Fixing vulnerabilities: The immediate step after receiving the pen testing report is to fix the identified vulnerabilities. This could involve patching software, updating systems, or changing security policies.
- Retesting: After fixes are implemented, a retest is often conducted to ensure that the vulnerabilities have been properly addressed. Think of it as a double-check to ensure that your digital defenses are now solid.
- Updating security policies: Penetration testing often reveals weaknesses in security policies. Based on the findings, you may need to update the security policies to prevent future vulnerabilities.
- Employee training: If social engineering tactics were used successfully in the penetration test, it’s a clear sign that employees need additional training. Educating staff on recognizing phishing attempts and other common scams is crucial for maintaining a strong security posture.
What Is Penetration Testing? The Bottom Line
Penetration testing is an essential component of any robust cybersecurity strategy. It’s a proactive approach that helps you identify and fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. By stimulating real-world attacks, penetration testing provides valuable insights into your security weaknesses, helping you strengthen your defenses.
Whether you’re running a small business or a large enterprise, investing in regular penetration testing and cybersecurity can save you from the costly consequences of a security breach.
Remember, in cybersecurity, the best defense is a good offense.
What Is Penetration Testing FAQs
1. How often should penetration testing be done?
It’s recommended to conduct penetration testing at least annually or whenever there are significant changes to your systems, applications, or networks. Regular testing helps ensure that new vulnerabilities are identified and addressed promptly.
2. Can penetration testing disrupt business operations?
While penetration testing is designed to be as non-disruptive as possible, there is always a slight risk, especially if the testing is extensive. However, this is why thorough planning and clear communication between the testers and the organization are essential.
