Penetration testing, also referred to as pen testing or ethical hacking, is a vital security measure that involves assessing a computer system’s software for potential vulnerabilities and susceptibility to hacking and cyberattacks. These vulnerabilities can arise from software faults, design flaws, and configuration issues. To maintain the robustness and security of an organization’s IT infrastructure, it is recommended to conduct penetration tests on a yearly basis, or more frequently as needed.
Penetration testing (pen testing) can be performed on IP ranges, individual programs, or even company names. By simulating an attack to identify vulnerabilities in a system’s security, organizations can gain insights into the various methods attackers might use to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or carry out malicious activities, potentially leading to costly data breaches.
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 released a research study on the cost of data breaches, surveying 350 companies from 11 countries. 47% of these breaches were attributed to malicious attacks, while the rest were caused by system vulnerabilities and human error.
Penetration testing is crucial for a company’s security as it trains employees on how to handle any kind of unauthorized access. This testing method assesses the effectiveness of a company’s security measures.
Penetration testing reports can also aid developers in avoiding mistakes. By understanding how a hacker leveraged an application, operating system, or software they helped design to launch an attack, developers become more focused on security and less likely to repeat similar errors in the future.
It’s noteworthy that penetration testing is especially relevant for a company if:
Penetration testing can also highlight the most vulnerable networks within your company or software, thereby indicating which security technologies or methods should be invested in. This process may uncover several significant system issues that were previously overlooked.
Synsols Cyber offers penetration testing services either as a one-time assessment or as ongoing support. Our testers possess prestigious security certifications like CISSP, GIAC, CISA, CISM & CEH and undergo regular background checks. Our Crest-certified engineer 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.