Penetration testing, also known as pen testing or ethical hacking, plays a crucial role in ensuring the security of computer systems. It involves actively assessing software within a computer system for potential vulnerabilities and susceptibility to hacking and cyberattacks. These vulnerabilities can result from software faults, design flaws, and configuration issues. To maintain the robustness and security of an organization’s IT infrastructure, it is advisable to conduct penetration tests on a yearly basis or as needed.
This testing, or pen testing, involves simulating an attack to identify vulnerabilities in a system’s security. Organizations can gain insights into the various methods attackers might employ to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or carry out malicious activities, potentially leading to costly data breaches. You can perform penetration testing on IP ranges, individual programs, or even company names.
There are five main types of penetration testing: targeted testing, internal testing, external testing, blind testing, and double-blind testing. These methods provide a comprehensive approach to evaluating a system’s security posture.
In 2015, the Ponemon Institute conducted a research study on the cost of data breaches, surveying 350 companies from 11 countries. The study showed that malicious attacks attributed to 47% of these breaches, while the remaining breaches resulted from system vulnerabilities and human error.
Penetration testing is crucial for a company’s security, as it trains employees on how to handle unauthorized access attempts. This testing method assesses the effectiveness of a company’s security measures.
Additionally, penetration testing can assist developers in avoiding mistakes. Understanding how a hacker leveraged an application, operating system, or software they helped design to launch an attack makes developers more security-conscious, reducing the likelihood of repeating similar errors in the future.
Notably, penetration testing is especially relevant for a company when:
It can also identify the most vulnerable networks within your company or software, indicating which security technologies or methods should be invested in. This process may uncover significant system issues that were previously overlooked.
Supreme Cyber offers these testing services either as a one-time assessment or as ongoing support. Our testers hold prestigious security certifications like CISSP, GIAC, CISA, CISM, and CEH and undergo regular background checks. Our Crest-certified engineers can detect vulnerabilities in your business’s information systems. Upon discovery, we validate the findings to confirm the threat to your organization and eliminate false positives.”