Technatic | The security of a company's computer systems needs to be tested and upgraded regularly. Penetration test, aka pentest, is a method that can be used to test computer network security. The steps used in a pentest are actually similar to take apart, but are carried out internally and aim to increase computer network security. Let's find out more about pentests in the following interesting reading.
Understanding Pentest
It would be good for you to understand what a pentest is and its types before knowing the process of pentesting. See the following explanation of the meaning of pentest.
Penetration testing, also known as pentest, is a cyber security technique carried out by a company's internal IT team or a trusted third party to identify and test vulnerabilities in a computer network. In a pentest, employees and third parties imitate usurper strategies and actions to evaluate the possibility of take apart a company's computer system, network, or web application.
Also Read : Cyber Security Definition, Types, Principles and Strategies
Pentesting is considered a proactive measure because it involves consistent, self-initiated improvements based on reports that have been generated. Pentesting differs from non-proactive approaches in that it does not fix vulnerabilities as problems arise and requires companies to update firewalls after a data breach occurs. The goal of proactive measures such as pentesting is to minimize the amount of escalation following a take apart incident and maximize organizational security.
Types of Pentests
There are three main strategies in pentesting, namely:
- White box testing: provides complete details about the company's target system or network and examines the code and internal structure of the product under test. White box testing is also known as open glass, clear box, transparent, or code-based testing.
- Black box testing is a type of behavioral and functional testing that is carried out in a way that the tester is not given any knowledge about the system. Companies usually hire third parties for black box testing and perform worldwide attacks to get an idea of system vulnerabilities.
- Gray box testing is a combination of white box and black box testing techniques that provides partial knowledge about the system, such as low-level credentials, logical flow diagrams, and network maps. The main idea behind gray box testing is to find potential code and functionality problems.
The Importance of Pentesting in Cyber Security
The importance of pentesting in cybersecurity cannot be denied. In an increasingly digitally connected world, pentesting is a crucial step to maintain the security and integrity of organizational data. Here are three reasons pentests are so important in cybersecurity:
1. Prevent attacks from outside parties
Pentest is a technique used to test the security of a company's system against attacks from outside parties. Pentesters will imitate the tactics and strategies commonly used by usurper to find out weak points in company systems. The results of these tests can provide companies with valuable information about how to prevent future attacks.
2. Detect Weaknesses in the System
Pentesting can help companies detect weaknesses in their systems. Before a pentest is carried out, companies usually feel that their system is safe. However, pentests can reveal weak points that the company was previously unaware of. They can fix it immediately to prevent future security breaches.
3. Maintain business reputation
Losing customer data or leaking important information can damage a business's reputation that has been built over many years. In many cases, the reputational damage resulting from a security breach can be far greater than the financial loss. Carrying out regular pentests can reduce the risk of security breaches and maintain business reputation.
Pentest Process in Cyber Security
The importance of pentests in maintaining cyber security cannot be doubted. However, how is the pentest implementation process actually carried out?
1. Pentest preparation
First of all, companies that want to run a pentest must determine the target system or network to be tested. After that, the team that will carry out the pentest must be formed and consist of internal experts from the organization or experienced third parties. Next, the team will determine an agreement on the scope of the pentest and the level of access so that the pentest runs effectively without damaging the system being tested.
2. Implementation of the Pentest
The pentest team will try to find security gaps in the specified system or network. There are several methods that can be used to carry out pentests, such as black box testing, white box testing, and gray box testing. The aim of implementing a pentest is to find weaknesses and provide recommendations to improve system security.
3. Reporting Pentest Results
After the pentest is complete, the pentest performer must make a report on the results of the pentest. This report contains details about the weaknesses found, including the severity and recommended improvements. This report will help companies to improve the security of their systems and prevent future cyberattacks. Apart from that, pentest results reports can also be used to fulfill audit requirements or applicable regulations.
Limitations of Pentests in Cyber Security
It is important to remember that pentests, too, have limitations that need to be taken into account. What are the main limitations of pentests in cyber security?
1. Limited to the Allotted Time
The pentest process takes significant time, especially if the company has complex computer systems. Sometimes the time given to carry out a pentest is very limited so it is difficult to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the system. This problem can limit the pen tester's ability to find and report all weaknesses in the system.
Apart from that, companies must also consider the time needed to follow up on the findings from the pentest. If the company cannot resolve discovered problems in a timely manner, computer systems will remain vulnerable to attacks.
2. Cannot guarantee absolute system security
Pentesting is actually only a security evaluation at a certain time and cannot guarantee absolute system security. System security will continue to change over time and the development of new technology. As a result, companies need to carry out security evaluations continuously. Additionally, some cyberattacks can be carried out in ways that pentests cannot detect.
Pentesting should be seen as part of an ongoing security evaluation process. Companies must take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of cyberattacks. You can read similar articles via the bacaberita channel, happy reading!