What is penetration testing and how is it executed?
Explore the world of penetration testing, a vital examination that assesses your security posture by deploying ethical hackers who mimic real adversaries. While many envision penetration testing as mere code cracking, the process encompasses a broader spectrum. This overview takes you through the stages of a pen test, from initial scoping to final validation:
1) Scoping
During this phase, clients and testers establish ground rules. Discussions include determining the extent of a web app test and whether the client's IT team should be alerted or left unaware, allowing them to practice defending against a simulated attack.
2) Recon
Intel Gathering
Ethical hackers, akin to real adversaries, utilise web, social media, and public sources for identification. Technical details are uncovered through port scanning, network sniffing, and more.
Vulnerability Scanning
Automated tools scan for known vulnerabilities, providing the human pen tester with potential exploits such as open ports and unpatched software.
Social Engineering
Ethical hackers, akin to real adversaries, utilise web, social media, and public sources for identification. Technical details are uncovered through port scanning, network sniffing, and more.
3) Hacking into the system
Ethical hackers, armed with research, exploit known vulnerabilities, predictable passwords, spoofed login sites, and more. They pivot through the environment to assess the accessibility of data.
4) Organising findings
Pen testers categorise discovered risks according to standards like the OWASP Top 10 for web apps. Risk categories may include broken access control, cryptographic failure, insecure design, and more.
5) Reporting
The pen tester compiles findings into a comprehensive report for the client team. A well-structured report includes an executive summary, a detailed technical report, and an action plan suggesting remediations.
6) Remediating
Armed with the detailed report, the client's team begins addressing moderate and high risks.
7) Validating
Post-remediation, the pen tester returns to confirm the elimination of identified risks. This confirmation is an integral part of all external engagements.
Penetration testing services from OX IT Solutions
Trust us to safeguard your digital assets and stay one step ahead of evolving cyber threats. Enhance your security resilience today with OX IT Solutions' Penetration Testing services - where proactive defense meets unparalleled expertise. Visit us at https://www.oxitsolutions.co.uk/services/penetration-testing to learn more or fill out the form below and one of our experts will be in touch to discuss your needs.
