Running a business means managing constant costs—materials, labor, equipment, and operations. But one investment that often gets overlooked is cybersecurity. Whether you’re running a single website or managing a complex IT infrastructure, cybersecurity is essential. As threats become more advanced, the cost of inaction becomes more severe. That’s where penetration testing comes in: a proactive way to identify your vulnerabilities before attackers do.
In today’s threat landscape, cyberattacks often start where organizations are most exposed—their external-facing systems. That’s why penetration testing is a critical component of any security strategy. Among the available testing approaches, black box penetration testing stands out for its realism: it simulates how an actual attacker would attempt to breach your defenses without any inside knowledge.
Technical vulnerabilities often take center stage in the cybersecurity landscape, yet human error remains one of the most significant security risks. In 2024, over 85% of cyberattacks involved some form of social engineering, highlighting the pervasive nature of this threat. Social engineering—the art of manipulating individuals to divulge confidential information—has proven time itself to be a powerful tool for attackers. Penetration testing that incorporates social engineering provides organizations with critical insights into their human vulnerabilities, offering a holistic approach to security.
Penetration testing (pen testing) is a cornerstone of cybersecurity, helping organizations uncover and address vulnerabilities in their IT infrastructure. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers a structured approach to this practice in its SP 800-115, ‘Technical Guide to Information Security Testing and Assessment.’ This publication outlines a systematic, four-phase process to guide organizations in conducting thorough security tests. This guide outlines a four-step process designed to help organizations systematically conduct penetration tests. Below, we delve into each of these steps and highlight the key aspects of NIST’s recommendations.
Wireless internet is a critical component for most businesses, providing flexibility and efficiency in daily operations. However, the convenience of WiFi networks also introduces security risks, making them a prime target for cybercriminals. To safeguard these networks, organizations must assess their vulnerabilities through a structured process known as WiFi penetration testing. Keep reading for a detailed guide on conducting a WiFi penetration test, including an outline of the steps involved and what businesses should expect. It’ll also cover the differences between performing the test internally and working with a professional service provider.
Rather than waiting until an attack occurs, more and more companies are turning to ethical hacking and, in particular, penetration testing to secure their cyber environments. Pen testing enhances risk management plans by revealing preventable cyber-attacks. Read to learn about the different types of pen testing and how they can secure your business with this comprehensive guide.
Organizations conduct pen tests to learn about their systems and how cybercriminals might try to attack them. Getting the most out of penetration testing as a service requires proactive planning, scoping, testing, and remediation—all of which a quality pen test partner should help with.
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Understanding physical penetration testing and how to take advantage of it requires:
Penetration testing is one of the most robust security testing tools within any cybersecurity program. When implemented effectively, the four phases of penetration testing will help identify gaps in your IT security and bolster your cyberdefenses. Read on to learn more about the penetration testing phases.
Penetration testing is an advanced cybersecurity method that is especially useful in complex environments, such as those that make heavy use of cloud computing. In these cases, cloud pen testing is often required. But even when it’s not mandated, regular penetration testing is considered a best practice for cyber hygiene.