As organizations work to maintain effective data protection, privacy, and governance, penetration testing provides powerful tools to guard against attacks.
A penetration test, often referred to as a “pen test,” is a simulated cyberattack designed to uncover vulnerabilities in systems and networks before malicious actors can exploit them. By identifying and addressing weaknesses, organizations can strengthen their security posture, ensure compliance with industry regulations, and gain peace of mind.
Unlike automated security scans, pen testing involves human experts who think creatively and adapt their approach during the attack. This provides a comprehensive view of a company’s security capabilities and identifies vulnerabilities that must be mitigated.
Common vulnerabilities that can be discovered during pen tests include:
- Unsupported or outdated software for which security patches may no longer be available.
- Weak passwords and inadequate authentication.
- Misconfigured systems that can expose sensitive data or allow unauthorized access.
- Mismanaged permissions and privilege escalation that can allow attackers to gain elevated access to critical systems.
Who Needs Penetration Tests?
Penetration testing is most common in industries that handle sensitive data or critical infrastructure, or where regulations mandate the practice. In financial services, for instance, penetration testing is mandated by various payment card and customer privacy regulations and reduces fraud risk by identifying vulnerabilities in transaction systems.
In other sectors, such as healthcare, government and defense, manufacturing, software, telecom and others, pen testing may not be required by regulation. Still, it represents a common and prudent security measure that can mitigate risk and satisfy contractual expectations to maintain data security and privacy.
How Does Penetration Testing Work?
An effective pen test is a systematic, iterative process that is typically conducted in five phases:
1. Planning and Scoping
The first step involves defining the test’s objectives and methods. This sets the stage for the pen test and ensures critical systems and networks are included.
2. Information Collection
Penetration testers review as much information as possible about the target. They may examine public records, network scans, and open-source intelligence to identify potential entry points attackers might exploit.
3. Vulnerability Assessment
Testers identify weaknesses in the target organization’s systems and applications, often blending automated tools and manual techniques to pinpoint security gaps.
4. Exploitation
This is the core of penetration testing. Testers attempt to use any identified vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems or data. Unlike actual attackers, pen testers stop short of causing damage, focusing instead on demonstrating the risks posed by these vulnerabilities.
5. Reporting
The final phase involves documenting the findings and providing the target organization a comprehensive report detailing any discovered vulnerabilities, their potential impact, and recommendations to address them.
By following these steps, penetration testing goes beyond highlighting weaknesses to provide a clear path to strengthening security.
Pen Testing Benefits
Penetration testing can provide:
- Risk Mitigation. More effective risk mitigation throughout your IT environment. By simulating attacks, organizations learn about their security gaps and can take steps to address them.
- Data Protection. Stronger protection for vital customer and employee data. Pen testing helps align security measures with the organization’s most important information.
- Compliance & Trust. Enhanced compliance with industry-specific regulations and increased customer trust. Pen testing provides a strong foundation for security regulations and data protection frameworks including SOC, ISO, HIPAA, HITRUST, and others.
- Employee Awareness. Better employee awareness about the importance of effective information security management. Highlighting security risks such as phishing can help employees avoid unsafe practices.
- Threat Intelligence. Deeper insights into the latest cybersecurity threats. Pen testing helps organizations adapt their defenses as bad actors explore new attack vectors.
- Stakeholder Confidence. Reassurance for interested stakeholders the organization has taken, and verified, prudent measures to defend against current and emerging security vulnerabilities.
How Often Should Pen Testing Occur?
The frequency with which an organization should undergo pen testing depends on several factors including its risk profile, any applicable regulations, stakeholder expectations, and other considerations. Consistent testing can help ensure the regular verification of security controls and help the organization adapt to emerging threats and changing environments.
For regulatory compliance, penetration testing is typically required at least annually, at regular intervals, or after significant changes to the environment. Large enterprises often conduct penetration tests every six months or annually, while some high-risk organizations may test monthly. Smaller companies may choose conduct penetration tests annually and focus their efforts on critical data and assets.
To learn more about how penetration testing can help your organization identify and manage cyber risks, contact us.
