Penetration testing, or pen testing, is a security exercise where a cyber-security expert attempts to find and exploit vulnerabilities in a computer system. This simulation of real-world attacks aims to uncover weaknesses in an organization’s IT infrastructure, which could be exploited by attackers. Pen tests can target various systems, including computer networks, web and mobile applications, IoT devices, cloud infrastructures, SaaS applications, APIs, and source code. The main goal is to identify and fix vulnerabilities to prevent future attacks.
Pen testers, also known as ethical hackers or white hat hackers, must have permission from the system’s owner before conducting any tests. Without consent, their actions would be considered unauthorized hacking. Pen testing involves understanding key security concepts: vulnerabilities (weak points in systems), exploits (actions that take advantage of these weaknesses), and payloads (the part of the system targeted for exploitation).
Why Do We Need Pen Testing?
Penetration testing is crucial for defending IT assets against external threats. By simulating attacks, organizations can identify hidden vulnerabilities and understand the potential damage a successful attack could cause. This proactive approach helps in closing security gaps before attackers can exploit them, thereby enhancing the organization’s overall security posture.
Who Performs Pen Tests?
Individuals with minimal prior knowledge of a system can best perform penetration tests to expose blind spots that developers may have missed. Companies often hire external contractors known as ethical hackers. These ethical hackers, who may be experienced developers, certified professionals, or even reformed criminal hackers, use their expertise to improve security.
Types of Pen Tests
- Open-box pen test: The tester is provided with some information about the target’s security setup.
- Closed-box pen test: The tester don’t given no background information except the company’s name.
- Covert pen test: Almost no one in the company is aware of the test, including IT and security staff.
- External pen test: The tester targets external-facing technology like websites and network servers from outside the company.
- Internal pen test: The tester simulates an attack from within the company’s internal network.
Types of Testing Methods
- White box Testing: Testers have full information about the target.
- Gray box Testing: Testers have partial information.
- Black box Testing: Testers have no prior information and simulate an attack from a real hacker’s perspective.
Benefits of Penetration Testing
Penetration testing helps organizations improve their security by identifying weaknesses and implementing solutions to prevent attacks. It allows companies to detect potential threats before they become real problems, ensuring a robust security infrastructure.
How is a Typical Pen Test Carried Out?
A pen test begins with reconnaissance, where the tester gathers information to plan the attack. Next, the tester focuses on gaining and maintaining access to the system using various tools like brute-force attacks or SQL injections. They might also use social engineering techniques, such as phishing emails or disguising themselves to gain physical access. The test concludes with the hacker covering their tracks to leave the system as it was found.
References
- https://www.getastra.com/blog/security-audit/software-penetration-testing/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274174058_An_Overview_of_Penetration_Testing
- https://www.extnoc.com/learn/general/penetration-testing
- https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/security/glossary/what-is-penetration-testing/
- https://www.w3schools.com/cybersecurity/cybersecurity_prenetration_testing.php
Would you like to read more articles by Tekos’s Team? Everything’s here.
Author
