Today is the era of technology where everyone is fighting a battle to stand as the best to survive in the digital world scenario. However, as everyone says, winning a battle is not an easy game, so it is to outshine on the Internet. No matter how beautifully your website is designed, how well you update its content, and how well you focus on customer experience, there is always a scope of the threat to it.
The threat of a cyber-attack. An attack that might tarnish the reputation of your website or might steal all the personal information. However, there is nothing to worry about! Every problem has a unique solution; Penetration testing.
What is Penetration Testing?
Web Application Penetration testing is a mock version of how an attacker or hacker would try to get into your system to accomplish his deadly goals. The testing process gives an idea of the security loopholes present in the system before a hacker tries to exploit them.
Network Penetration Testing is somewhat similar to ethical hacking. It involves professionals acting as hackers; simulating the possible attacks on the organization’s network, network applications, devices in use, and the business website.
These professionals also provide the mandatory fixes required depending upon the results of the penetration testing performed on network infrastructure and its devices. This process also aids companies to efficiently follow the security guidelines provided by the government and other governing organizations.
A vulnerability assessment (VAPT) uses automated scanners to perform security checks and assess the possible threats that can occur. In contrast, a penetration test imitates a real cyber-attack and takes place after the vulnerability assessment.
Why Network Penetration Testing?
Network penetration testing will give results about how well a company’s security system works and makes the organization understand what hazardous activities can occur to ruin the entire business. A proper test and an efficient report can save a lot of time, reputation and ensure a safe and secure environment.
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To prevent data breaches
Every business stores information that may be vulnerable and is at risk of getting stolen by cybercriminals. So, the identification of associated risks will help minimize the possibility of unauthorized and unwanted access to sensitive information stored within or outside the company’s network. Safe and secure information is the basis of a trustworthy business-customer relationship.
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To enhance the overall security of the network
A safety layer to ensure protection at every level of the network of an organization is mandatory. It is so because no part of the business should be at potential risk. The system should be capable enough to fight against malicious activities like DDoS attacks, traditional malware and viruses, or other network attacks.
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To ensure regular updates and maintenance
A network penetration testing process must occur at regular intervals to safeguard the system in the long term. Regular testing allows finding the gaps in the security system of an organization. There can be new attacks or threats that must be recognized, and the security control management should take place accordingly.
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To regulate the security controls
Professionals who conduct network security checks on the business network also control the firewall, prevention of data loss, encryption process of data, fine-tuning of other network security devices, layered security processes, and so on. These checks are done for the identifying efficiency of all these security controls during the network penetration testing.
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To keep a check on compliance
There are various compliance requirements businesses need to follow depending upon the industry they are in. For example, the payment card industry (PCI) data security rules are very strict to provide safety to the users. A network pen-testing keeps a check that your business is very well following all the required norms for your specific industry.
How Network Penetration Testing Works; Source- getastra.com
Methodologies Involved in Network Penetration Testing
Professionals can perform network pen-testing using various methodologies depending upon the requirements in the following ways:
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Black Box
Black box penetration testing is conducted without any prior technical knowledge about the network. It demands an extensive exploration of the network to organize an imitation attack competently. It is a realistic version of a cyber-attack, and businesses who handle the most sensitive information prefer such type of testing. These businesses prefer to stay very safe from malicious attacks and safeguard their systems well. There are many automated website security scanning tools that you can use.
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White Box
White box penetration testing occurs when the professionals have all the relevant information about its network architecture and the network itself. They have a clear vision of all the technical details involved. It is audit-like testing that gives a 360-degree view of the testing. It is often used by businesses that want none of the aspects left unsecured. White box testing takes a very long time to plan bust the most extensive.
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Grey Box
A grey box penetration testing is an intermediate approach between the black box and the white box testing. It involves attacks to analyze issues that a mediocre system might face. The problems include stealing login credentials, details of user privileges, technical papers, and so on. A grey box is an approach that gives detailed security testing in a short period of time.
Final Words
An application or a website requires testing in a simulated environment before taking it to the production environment. Similarly, a business also requires elaborate network penetration testing before and after it comes into existence.
This simple test might feel an unnecessary burden, but the pressure one would face when under a cyber-attack is worse than this.
Network penetration testing is a mandatory step that should occur at regular intervals to assess how well secured the systems are. There are a number of organizations like Astra Security that test the applications with automated and manual procedures to ensure the safety of all your personal information and systems.
