In an ever-evolving technology landscape, organizations face a constantly changing list of threats. Threats for which they should be prepared to remain competitive. Most of these threats stem from cyberattacks, and to better prepare for them, organizations conduct penetration testing.
Penetration testing, also known as pen testing, is a technique organizations use to assess the security of their information systems and applications. This is done by trying to safely identify and exploit vulnerabilities in the organization’s systems by simulating the actions that bad actors would take if they were to attack the organization.
Penetration testing differs from vulnerability assessment because it goes one step further, not only finding vulnerabilities but also exploring how those vulnerabilities can be used to harm the organization.
Penetration testing highlights gaps in an organization’s security before bad actors can find them and cause damage. It ensures that preventive measures are taken and are effective in protecting the organization against evolving threats.
Pen testing ensures accurate risk prioritization by identifying the vulnerabilities that pose the greatest risk and supports regulatory compliance with frameworks such as ISO/IEC 27001 and GDPR. These processes help organizations to continually improve by benchmarking their current stature against the latest security threats.
Penetration testing is categorized by the level of knowledge required and the target area:
There are different methodologies for conducting penetration testing. The widely accepted method is outlined by Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) and NIST SP 800-115.
Testing begins with clear planning and scope definition, then the tester uses open-source intelligence (OSINT) to gather as much information as possible. Based on the gathered intelligence, the tester identifies potential vulnerabilities and attack paths, which they then exploit to target the target. The goal of this attack is to exploit vulnerabilities and estimate their potential impact.
At the end stages, the tester writes a comprehensive report with the findings and recommendations for remediation steps. The system is then retested to ensure the effective measures have been implemented. The testing process must always be authorized to ensure its legality and safety. This includes a written authorization, escalation procedures for testing that trigger alerts or disruptions, and a policy for data handling and erasure after testing.
The effectiveness of the measures taken from the penetration testing is measured in different ways, such as:
Pen testers use a variety of tools depending on the scope of the testing.
Penetration testing must be conducted legally and ethically to avoid potential disruptions.
The main things to consider:
As threats continue to evolve, organizations can’t stand by idly; they have to be prepared to prevent, address, and minimize potential damage. Hence, penetration testing cannot be treated as an optional exercise but must be considered a critical tool in modern cybersecurity governance. Organizations must not only detect vulnerabilities but also understand their impact and be prepared to respond. Through standards-based penetration testing, organizations built trust, resilience, and continuous improvement, making security not only a requirement but a strategic advantage.
PECB’s Lead Penetration Testing Professional training course provides a comprehensive theoretical and hands-on training, ensuring that professionals acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to lead a penetration testing project.
About the Author
Albion Beqaj is a Content Editing Specialist in the PECB Marketing Department. He is responsible for evaluating the written material, ensuring its accuracy and suitability for the target audience, and ensuring that the material meets PECB standards. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at support@pecb.com.
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