Because the world is digital, cyberattacks are an actual threat. Hackers are always seeking ways to steal information or compromising systems. Therefore, it is essential that companies keep up. One way to accomplish this is to use penetration testing or pen testing.
Pen testing allows you to identify and correct security issues before a hacker is able to exploit the vulnerabilities. It’s like hiring someone who tests your security by attempting to break into your home, but not to steal, but rather to let you know what needs to be secured.
What Is Pen Testing?
Testing with pen is a security check Pen testing which is conducted by experienced testers, also known as ethical hackers, attempt to penetrate your systems. They utilize the same methods and tools that hackers use. However, their aim is to assist you, not to harm you.
These types of tests permit you to find weaknesses within your network, website or software, and even how your employees handle email and passwords. When you have completed the test, ethical hackers will provide you with the report detailing the areas where your systems are vulnerable and the best way to repair them.
Why Pen Testing Is Important
Discover Weak Points
Even if you already have the latest antivirus and firewall softwares, it may still be plagued by problems. Pen testing can help you root them out before anyone else is able to do so.
Practice for Real Attacks
Pen tests can help you understand the way your team will react in the case of a real cyberattack. If they react too slow or fail to detect the threat You’ll be aware that you need to improve your the training or tools.
Follow the Regulations
Many industries have to comply with the standards of data security such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS. Pen testing can help you attain compliance with these standards and shows that you’re dedicated to protecting your data.
Protect Your Reputation
Security breaches can have severe consequences. It’s costly and can damage the reputation of your business. Customers may lose confidence in your company. Pen testing can help you avoid this risk by identifying vulnerabilities before they occur.
Stay Ahead of Evolving Threats
Hackers are constantly updating their methods. Pen testers stay up-to-date on the most recent techniques and employ these in their tests so that you are protected against the latest threats.
Types of Pen Testing
There are many types that pen test, based on the type of pen you wish to test:
Network Testing: Determines whether an intruder could break into your company’s external or internal networks.
Web App Testing: Tests websites and web apps to detect weaknesses such as weak passwords or security vulnerabilities.
Social Engineering: Examines whether employees could be tricked through fake email (phishing) as well as phone call.
Physical Testing: Determines if an intruder could gain access to your workplace or structure and gain access to servers or computers.
Wireless Testing: Test your Wi-Fi network to be sure it’s safe and that only authorized users can use it.
When to Conduct Pen Testing
It is important to conduct pen tests on a regular basis, not just every now and then. Here are some great time to test your pen:
Annually
After making significant modifications to your website or systems, you should make major changes to your websites or
Before launching a brand new product or service, you must ensure that it is ready for launch.
- Following a security breach or security breach
- If you must complete a privacy or security audit
How to Get Started
This is how you can begin using pen testing to help your company:
Set Clear Goals
Select the thing you’d like to test: your employees’ fraud understanding, your website as well as your entire network.
Choose a Reputable Pen Tester
Employ a professional or a business that has the appropriate expertise and credentials. Be sure that they adhere to the ethical standards.
Design the Test
Select the amount of information you provide the test subjects. You can allow them to test without any details (black-box), complete details (white-box) or with a small amount of specific information (gray-box).
Perform the Test
Let the pen testers test to break into your systems. They’ll act just like real hackers, however they will not cause harm.
Analyze the Results
Take a look at the report. Make sure you address the issues that are high risk immediately and then plan for the rest.
Test Again
Once you have resolved the issue, run a test to ensure everything is working properly.
Final Thoughts
Cyber threats are not waiting around and so don’t put off responding. Pen testing is a clever and easy way to safeguard your systems and data. It allows you to identify issues before hackers find them, educates your staff, and helps build trust with customers.
Through pen testing, you’re responsible for your security. You demonstrate to your partners, customers, and even regulators that you have an interest in keeping their data secure. In addition, you offer your company a greater chances to be successful without the danger of a costly and devastating cyberattack.
