With cyber attacks an ever-prevalent threat for businesses and organizations alike, it’s imperative to maintain a healthy and secure network. While there are countless cyber security vendors like Sangfor offering a plethora of solutions, it remains important to test their effectiveness. Pen testing (or penetration testing) is one of the best ways for organizations to do this.
What is pen testing (or penetration testing)?
Pen testing, also known as penetration testing, is a way of checking the security of computer systems. During a pen test, a simulated cyber attack is launched at an organization’s computer system or systems. This attack can target anything from networks to Internet of Things devices, websites, applications, utilities, and more. While the methodologies and strategies employed may be identical to that of a cyber attack, the motive is good. Because of this, pen testing is a form of white hat or ethical hacking.
The ultimate goal of pen testing is to test the security of an organization’s computer systems. A successful pen test provides the organization with information on potential security vulnerabilities and weak points. With this new knowledge, businesses can harden their defense systems and make them more robust in anticipation of a real cyber attack.
Pen tests are most often carried out by third-party contractors. This is because an employee with too much knowledge of the system architecture and design cannot properly emulate the position of a hacker with little to no knowledge. Furthermore, professional pen testers are ethical hackers, who will be sure to target all potential weaknesses. This will help provide a thorough and comprehensive overview, exposing many more vulnerabilities that can be rectified before the real hackers exploit vulnerabilities.
What are some different pen testing methodologies?
There are several different ways in which a pen test can be carried out, each with distinct pros and cons. When an organization or IT admin decides to conduct a pen test, they must decide which strategy they think is most effective for their situation. Here is a detailed breakdown:
Targeted testing
Targeted testing is a strategy in which both professional penetration testing teams and the organization's IT team work together to assess weaknesses. Both teams are privy to the target systems and how they are designed, and the existence of the operation is common knowledge. One of the biggest advantages of targeted testing is that it is fast and efficient to carry out. Equally, however, it may not be able to provide results as accurately as other methods.
Blind testing
If an organization wants to simulate an attack from a real hacker, they will need to conduct a blind test, a type of pen test. In a blind test, the pen testing team is provided with zero knowledge of the target system’s architecture. As a hacker would, the team uses information found in public domains to undertake the test. Blind tests provide some of the most accurate and realistic results possible, but are typically more complex to complete.
Double-blind testing
A double-blind test is similar to a blind test except for the fact that not even the organization's IT team is aware of the test. This way, only one internal source authorizes the test or it is carried out on a random date by the third-party pen test team. Organizations may choose to carry out double-blind pen tests if they wish to see how fast their security team can react and adapt to the situation.
External testing
Enterprise networks are made up of many different components. A hacker may find vulnerabilities and compromise an organization’s defenses through endpoints, servers, firewalls, and much more. An external test focuses on external devices and servers in order to spot weaknesses and susceptibilities.
Internal testing
Internal testing is similar in nature to external testing, except it focuses on internal routes. Whether the threat originates from an employee or intruder, internal weaknesses are real threats that need to be accounted for.
The Open Web Application Security Project also has a detailed guide on pen test methodologies which can be found here.
How does pen testing work?
A pen test is carried out in stages designed to emulate how a hacker would attempt to compromise a computer system.
Stage #1: Research
As mentioned, most pen tests are carried out by third-party testers who have little to no information about the organization’s network infrastructure. The first step of a pen test is to conduct as much research as possible and plan the test. This involves searching in databases, search engines, and any other publicly available sources to prepare for the test.
When a sufficient amount of information is gathered, the testers will decide which vulnerabilities to target. At this point, they will begin to form a basic plan of action and decide how the test will be carried out.
Stage #2: Scanning
The next stage is to scan the target system for specific weak points. Pen testers use a variety of tools and utilities to examine applications and other security layers depending on their chosen strategy from stage #1. After scanning, they will have all the information they need to stage the “attack”.
Stage #3: Access
The third stage of pen testing is compromising the target systems. By exploiting weaknesses, the pen testers are allowed access to areas of the organization where sensitive information may be held. Depending on a hacker’s motivations, they may want to collect information to extort a ransom, steal personal information, cause operational downtime, and much more. Pen testers will use a variety of cyber attack techniques to gain access as a hacker would. This could be spoofing attacks, SQL injections, and many more.
Stage #4: Consolidation
Once the pen testers have a foothold, they need to maintain it for long enough to extract information or cause damage. If the testers can consolidate their access for long enough without being detected, it shows the weak points are a source of real concern for the organization. In fact, many cyber attacks like advanced persistent threats maintain their access undetected for months, if not years at a time.
Stage #5: Analyzing
After the pen testing “attack” has taken place, testers consolidate their findings. In doing so, they provide the business with information that helps them strengthen their security systems. This information includes everything from the specific weak points exploited, how access was maintained, what sensitive data could have been stolen, and more.
What does a pen test target?
A professional pen testing team targets anything that a hacker would be able to. This can mean anything from networks to web applications, endpoints, cloud-storage systems, IoT devices, and much more. Any organization’s digital infrastructure is made up of countless different components such as these. Only by putting their security up to the test are they able to run a much more secure system.
How can a business benefit from pen testing?
Cyber security vendors and applications will always preach the effectiveness of their solutions. However, it remains a matter of trust until they are put to the test. Aside from properly fending off a malicious attack, pen tests are the only way to test your cyber security system in a realistic manner. Businesses stand to benefit from a pen test in the following ways:
- Weaknesses are identified without risk, which can be later strengthened
- In a double-blind test, IT teams or incident response teams are put to the test
- Business continuity is preserved, helping build trust
- Data privacy compliance is tested
- Ensures the latest security regulations are followed
Protect your organization with Sangfor
Sangfor is a leading cyber security vendor offering a comprehensive lineup of solutions. If you would like to conduct pen testing on your organization, do not hesitate to get in touch with us today.
