One effective method for conducting an information security audit is through penetration testing.
The contractor would conduct thorough testing and provide detailed penetration reports, complete with recommendations for safeguarding corporate data.
The service provider outlines all stages of the process, develops a pen testing strategy, and suggests ways to eliminate threats.
Penetration testing broadly involves evaluating the security of information systems by mimicking the tactics of an actual attacker.
In a black box testing method, the tester has little to no prior knowledge about the target system.
A unique aspect of pen tests involves social engineering, where testers try to trick company employees into revealing critical data, assessing their awareness of information security.
Once the testing starts, the team simulates various attacks to identify system vulnerabilities, covering potential weaknesses in software, hardware, and human factors.
In terms of frequency, it is recommended to run penetration testing after every noticeable change in the infrastructure.
Usually, full-fledged pen tests are done every six months or once a year - but agile businesses should consider running continuous pen testing if they are deploying at a faster pace.
Potential downsides of a pen test can include too much interference from the client, restrictions on specific testing actions, and limiting the scope to a very narrow range of systems for evaluation.
Often, it may be the customer who has set conditions for the pen test that make it extremely challenging, if not impossible, to identify any vulnerabilities.
Penetration testing is, by nature, a creative process.
BAS, an automated system for testing and modeling attacks, along with vulnerability scanners, are tools some might consider sufficient for pen testing.
The availability of qualified penetration testing specialists is limited, so it is crucial to prioritize companies for whom pen testing is a primary service.
These companies should have a dedicated team of qualified specialists and a separate project manager to oversee pen tests.
If you consistently use the same pen test provider over the years, especially if your infrastructure remains static or undergoes minimal changes, there is a risk that the contractor's specialists might become complacent or overlook certain aspects.
BreachLock's pen testing service offers human-verified results, DevOps fix guidance, robust client support, and a secure portal for retests.
SecureWorks' penetration testing service is recognized for its comprehensive offerings and high-quality services, which have earned it a strong reputation in the field.
CrowdStrike's penetration testing service offers testing of various IT environment components using real-world threat actor tools, derived from CrowdStrike Threat Intelligence.
Security analysts predict a rise in the demand for penetration testing services, driven by the rapid digitalization of business operations, and growth in telecommunications, online banking, social and government services.
This Cyber News was published on feeds.dzone.com. Publication date: Fri, 19 Jan 2024 21:13:04 +0000