A cyberattack simulation conducted on your computer system is known as penetration testing, sometimes referred to as pen testing. The simulation aids in identifying vulnerability areas and evaluating IT breach security.
Businesses may get knowledgeable, independent third-party input on their security procedures by regularly conducting pen tests. Pen testing can assist in preventing highly expensive and destructive breaches, despite being potentially time-consuming and expensive.
Penetration testing challenges a network's security. Given the value of a business’s network, businesses must consult with experts before pen testing. Experts can ensure that testing does not damage the network, and they can also provide better insights into vulnerabilities. Pen testing experts can help businesses before, during, and after the tests to help obtain beneficial results.
Assessments of vulnerabilities are different from pen tests. An evaluation of security and a scan is the main components of a vulnerability assessment. However, a pen test mimics a cyberattack and uses vulnerabilities that have been found.
Types of penetration testing:
1. Network Penetration Testing:
The most popular method of penetration testing is network testing. After the penetration tester gathers data and evaluates vulnerabilities, the pen tester performs several network evaluations. To investigate several facets of an organization's security, internal and external network exploitation tests can be carried out.
2. Application penetration testing:
Security flaws in Web-based applications have been found. All parts, including APIs, ActiveX controls, Java applets, and Silverlight controls, are tested. Because it is more challenging than a network exam, this test takes longer. The Web application must be created accurately and completely.
3. Wireless:
A wireless test scans wireless networks for weaknesses. A wireless pen test finds and takes advantage of weak authentication and vulnerable wireless network setups. Users may be able to connect to a wired network from outside the building thanks to vulnerable protocols and inadequate setups.
Businesses are also employing more mobile devices than ever, but they have trouble keeping them safe. When using their devices on unsecured, public guest networks, business personnel will be the target of a wireless pen test.
4. Physical penetration testing:
It may not be considered a weakness, but the physical security controls may be an entryway for attackers.
5. social engineering:
Common social engineering assaults including phishing, baiting, and pretexting are simulated in social engineering testing. These assaults try to trick workers into clicking a link or doing anything else that breaches the company network. Frequently, clicking the link grants access downloads malicious software, or divulges login information.
How vulnerable a company's employees are to these assaults may be determined using a social engineering test. Access to the company's internal network can be given to opponents via inadvertent small-scale staff errors.
6. Physical:
Businesses can also do a physical pen test that focuses on the organization's physical security. In these tests, an attacker looks for abandoned papers or credentials that might be used to undermine the security or try to enter the premises. Once inside the facility, a potential attacker may try to collect information by listening in on conversations or placing malicious equipment in offices to get remote access to the company's internal network.
Although IT frequently concentrates on digital security, network protection solutions might be meaningless if the company permits access to the facility or divulges information to outsiders. An employee could, for instance, grant entrance to the facility or provide the Wi-Fi password without first verifying that the person requesting it is an employee.