Penetration Testing, often referred to as pen testing, is an indispensable method for pinpointing security flaws in applications. It entails scrutinizing systems or networks using multiple offensive strategies to manipulate weak points and simulate sanctioned attacks.
The main aim of penetration testing is to shield sensitive data from unauthorized access, protecting it from hackers and other outside threats. Once weaknesses are detected, they can be exploited to undermine the system and gain access to essential information.
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Ethical hackers, occasionally referred to as penetration testers, conduct these tests to evaluate the system’s security and recommend measures to alleviate vulnerabilities.
What This Guide Includes:
- What is Penetration Testing?
- Sources of Vulnerability
- Penetration Testing Tools and Enterprises
- Suggested Penetration Testing Tools
- Recommended Penetration Testing Firm
- Why Penetration Testing?
- What Should Be Evaluated?
- Types of Penetration Testing
- Pen Testing Methods
- Penetration Testing Illustrative Test Cases (Test Scenarios)
- Conclusion
What Does Penetration Testing Involve?
Penetration testing is a way of identifying vulnerabilities in computer systems, web applications, or networks. By analyzing the system, hackers replicate attacks to determine the effectiveness of current defenses and identify shortcomings that could lead to security breaches. Penetration test reports offer insights into vulnerabilities and suggest countermeasures to curb the risks of system breaches.
Roots of Vulnerabilities
- Design and Development Mistakes: Gaps in hardware or software design can jeopardize critical data.
- Deficient System Configuration: Inadequate system configuration can provide opportunities for attackers to exploit and pilfer information.
- Human Missteps: Wrong document disposal, neglected documents, coding mistakes, internal threats, and sharing passwords on phishing sites can lead to security infringements.
- Connectivity: Systems connected to unsecure networks are susceptible to hacking attempts.
- Complexity: Systems with more functionalities are more likely to be targeted and assaulted.
- Passwords: Weak or shared passwords can result in unauthorized access. Passwords should be robust, not shared, and changed periodically.
- User Input: Unverified data received electronically can be used to assault the receiving system.
- Management: Absence of proper risk management can create vulnerabilities in the system.
- Training Deficiency: Insufficient training can lead to human errors and other vulnerabilities.
- Communication: Insecure channels like mobile networks, the internet, and telephones can compromise security.
Tools and Enterprises for Penetration Testing
Automated tools can be used to point out standard vulnerabilities in applications. These tools scan code to look for malign code and potential security breaches. They also verify encryption techniques and identify hard-coded values like usernames and passwords.
When choosing the most suitable penetration testing tool, take into account the following criteria:
- Easy deployment, configuration, and usage
- Effective system scanning
- Classification of vulnerabilities based on intensity
- Automation of vulnerability validation
- Verification of previously discovered exploits
- Generation of detailed vulnerability reports and logs
Companies can either train internal resources or employ expert consultants to conduct penetration testing.
Advised Penetration Testing Tools
#1) Acunetix
Acunetix WVS boasts a range of features in a user-friendly package, making it ideal for security professionals and software engineers.
#2) Intruder
Intruder is an all-inclusive vulnerability scanner that helps uncover and rectify cybersecurity weaknesses. It offers over 9,000 automated inspections, infrastructure and web-layer inspections, and multiple integrations with popular platforms.
Key Features Include:
- Automated inspections across the entire IT infrastructure
- Infrastructure and web-layer inspections for vulnerabilities
- Automatic scanning for new threats
- Multiple integrations, including AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and more
- 30-day free trial available for the Pro plan
Suggested Penetration Testing Firm
#1) Software Secured
Software Secured offers Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS) to assist SaaS businesses in shipping secure software. Their service facilitates frequent testing for teams that frequently release code, leading to the discovery of twice as many bugs compared to one-time tests.
Key Features:
- Manual and automated testing with regular team rotations
- Comprehensive testing aligned with major launches
- Continuous reporting and unlimited re-testing
- Access to security expertise and advisory services
- Covers advanced threat modeling, business logic testing, and infrastructure testing
Other Free Tools:
Commercial Services:
For a wide-ranging list of effective penetration testing tools, refer to this article: Effective Penetration Testing Tools For Every Penetration Tester
The Importance of Penetration Testing
In a time when cyber-attacks like the WannaCry ransomware present a significant risk, regular penetration testing is critical to protect information systems from security infringements.
Penetration testing is critical for the following reasons:
- Secure transfer of financial or critical data
- Client requirements in the software release cycle
- Protection of user data
- Identifying security weak points
- Uncovering of system weaknesses
- Evaluating business impact in the event of successful attacks
- Adherence to information security
- Effective security strategy implementation
Companies must point out security issues in their internal networks and computers to plan a solid defense against hacking attempts. The utmost priority should be given to protecting user privacy and data security.
For instance, exposing user details of a social networking site like Facebook can have severe legal repercussions stemming from a software system loophole. Hence, companies often seek PCI compliance certifications before transacting business with third-party clients to guarantee data security.
What Needs to be Assessed?
The following components ought to be assessed:
- Software (Operating systems, services, applications)
- Hardware
- Network
- Processes
- User behavior
Types of Penetration Testing
#1) Social Engineering Test: This test involves trying to get sensitive information from individuals through methods like phone conversations or online communication. It targets help-desks, employees, and processes susceptible to social engineering attacks.
#2) Web Application Test: The aim of this test is to identify security flaws in web applications. It evaluates the resilience of web apps and software programs in the target environment.
#3) Physical Penetration Test: This test focuses on physical security measures and is typically used in military and government facilities. It checks for potential security breaches in physical network devices and access points. However, this type of test is less relevant to software testing.
#4) Network Services Test: This is one of the most commonly undertaken penetration tests. It identifies network points of entry through which attackers can gain access to systems on the network. This test can be conducted locally or remotely.
#5) Client-side Test: This test searches for vulnerabilities in client-side software programs.
#6) Remote Dial-Up War Dial: This test detects modems connected to the environment and attempts to log in to systems using password guessing or brute-forcing.
#7) Wireless Security Test: This test identifies open, unauthorized, or unsecure Wi-Fi networks or hotspots and establishes connections through them.
Methods of Pen Testing
- Manual Penetration Test
- Automated Penetration Testing Tools
- Combination of Manual and Automated Methods
The combination of manual and automated techniques is the most effective way to uncover a range of vulnerabilities.
Manual Penetration Test:
Automated tools may not uncover all vulnerabilities, which is why manual scanning is required
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