Penetration Testing

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:

• Knowing what physical pen tests are and the overall approach they take
• Appreciating how an actual physical penetration test works in practice
• Scoping best practices into a physical or hybrid pen testing program
• Comparing physical pen tests against other forms of penetration testing

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.

By following the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES), companies of all sizes are capable of executing an effective pen test that exposes any issues in their cybersecurity. By conducting penetration (pen) testing, you can determine how a hacker would attack your systems by watching an assault unfold in a controlled environment. And the only way to ensure that this kind of test will work is to make sure it meets certain standards.

One of the primary goals of cyberdefense programs is identifying, preventing, and mitigating attacks. The best way to do this is with targeted programs, such as penetration and intrusion testing, where attackers’ offensive tactics become your company’s defensive training.

Some regulatory frameworks explicitly require penetration testing from eligible parties. But even those that don’t require it outright may still have other mandates that would be met or exceeded efficiently by conducting penetration testing. Thus, penetration assessments are critical for your security infrastructure.