As technology advances rapidly, cybersecurity becomes increasingly crucial. Unsecured systems, softwares, and networks can be exploited by hackers and cybercriminals with malicious intent. Faulty systems can result in data breaches, loss of sensitive information, financial loss, amongst other cybersecurity issues. Therefore, it is necessary to test systems to identify potential vulnerabilities and risks for preventive security measures. Penetration testing is one way of testing systems to discover vulnerabilities that malicious actors may exploit, thereby securing the system before any harm is done.
What Is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing or pen testing is the process of testing to identify vulnerabilities in software, networks, systems, or web applications by simulating a series of attacks carried out by a cybercriminal. Pen testers mimic the behavior of an actual hacker to identify gaps in security that hackers might exploit to precise organizations, sensitive data, or access to networks and systems. Penetration testing goes beyond security assessments, which focus on compliance testing and general adherence to security policies. Penetration testing often involves a multi-layered approach consisting of reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, and vulnerability exploitation. The process allows organizations can assess their cybersecurity stance actively and identify the areas that need improvement.
Types of Penetration Testing
There are several types of penetration testing based on how it’s done, what is being tested, and the extent of the testing that will be carried out. Here are some types of penetration testing:
1. Network Penetration Testing: This type of testing focuses on networks. It examines and identifies vulnerabilities in the network infrastructure, such as routers, switches, firewalls, and network protocols.
2. Application Penetration Testing: This type of testing is focused on the application layer. Penetration testers examine web and mobile applications for vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.
3. Physical Penetration Testing: Physical penetration testing simulates an actual physical attack on a facility, data center, or organization. This type of testing examines physical security measures such as alarms, surveillance cameras, key-card access, or biometric systems, amongst others.
4. Wireless Network Penetration Testing: This type of testing focuses on wireless networks and examines the security of devices, access points, and network protocols. It also tests the integrity of the network and evaluates the adequacy of wireless encryption protection.
The Penetration Testing Process
The penetration testing process typically begins with planning and scoping. The scoping phase determines the objective, scope of the test, timelines, and budget limitations. The objective of the test could be to determine vulnerabilities, evaluate measures taken thus far, or identify possible loopholes. The testing can either be blind, double-blind, or targeted. Blind testing is when the testing team is given no prior knowledge of the system under test non-targeted testing. Double-blind testing is when the testing team is also given no prior knowledge of the system but is also not informed that they are being employed to test. Targeted testing is when the testing team is hired to test specific vulnerabilities in the system.
The reconnaissance phase is the process of gathering as much information as possible on the system before the actual testing begins. In this phase, the tester reconnaissance the target network to gather confidential information about the target environment.
The system scan phase is followed by the reconnaissance and involves looking for evidence of vulnerabilities in the system. Penetration testers attempt to identify vulnerabilities such as bugs, misconfigurations, or weak passwords. This phase can sometimes be automated by using commercial scanner tools or could be carried out manually using various manual techniques.
Enumeration is an essential phase in penetration testing that involves system analysis. In this phase, the pen tester examines the targeted system to identify as many services running on the system as possible. The primary intent is to obtain an accurate understanding of the system.
Finally, exploitation is the final phase, and it involves identifying vulnerabilities and exploiting them to determine the scope of the damage that such a vulnerability could cause. Exploitation is to execute a series of attacks on the system.
After the testing phases, the results are evaluated, and the vulnerabilities are documented and reported together. The report will include measures that the organization can take to secure their systems.
Why Is Penetration Testing Essential?
The primary purpose of penetration testing is to identify vulnerabilities in an organization’s systems, software, and networks before anyone else does. Penetration testing assists the organization in adequately preparing remediation measures to secure their systems and prevent data loss. Penetration testing also helps the organization understand better their current security posture and any possible areas of improvement. Testing provides an organization with a true picture of the risks they face from cybercriminals and the impact of a successful attack on their systems.
And let’s not forget about compliance. Penetration testing can also help an organization remain compliant with regulation requirements while avoiding hefty fines for non-compliance.
Final Thoughts
Penetration testing, like other technology processes, can appear complicated to a layman. However, it is a vital tool to detecting vulnerabilities in systems and preventing cyber-attacks from crippling an organization. With the continued shift to the digital world, the need for testing is fast becoming essential. Organizations must continually test their systems, networks, and softwares to reduce potential cyber risks and protect their data. Just remember, the strength of an organization’s security is as good as the weakest link in their system. Therefore, after testing, organizations must close all identified loopholes.
