You’ve undoubtedly heard the term “pentesting” but you may not know what it means. Penetration testing, often referred to as pentesting, is a method of targeting a computer system in order to discover security gaps. The goal of penetration testing is to find flaws so that they can be addressed before an attacker exploits them. In this blog post, we will discuss what pentesting is and how companies make use of the information gathered during a pentest. We will also explore additional approaches to security that businesses can take in order to stay protected against cyberattacks.
Why Is Pentesting Important?
It’s critical for businesses to discover and repair security flaws before they can be exploited by attackers, so penetration testing is vital. There are numerous types of penetration testing that can be performed, including internal and external pen testing, web application penetration testing, wireless penetration testing, and so on. The sophistication and targeting of cyberattacks are increasing, necessitating that companies have solid protection against them. By conducting regular pentests, companies can ensure that their systems are secure and that any weaknesses are addressed in a timely manner.
What Does a Pentest Report Contain?
A pentest report contains information about the vulnerabilities that were found during the test, as well as recommendations on how to fix them. The report will also include information on the tools and techniques used during the pentest, as well as any other relevant information.
How Do Businesses Make Use of This Data?
Companies can make use of the information in a pentest report in order to improve their security posture. By fixing the vulnerabilities that are identified in the report, companies can reduce their risk of being attacked. Additionally, companies can use the information in the report to improve their security policies and procedures.
Additional Approaches to Security In Detail
In addition to conducting regular pentests, there are other approaches that businesses can take to improve their security. These approaches include implementing strong security policies and procedures, training employees on security awareness, and investing in cybersecurity technologies.
By taking these additional steps, companies can further protect themselves against cyberattacks. These approaches include:
- Security audits: A security audit is an assessment of a company’s security posture. Audits can be conducted internally or externally, and they often involve penetration testing.
- Vulnerability management: Vulnerability management is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating vulnerabilities. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as patch management, configuration management, and incident response. Additionally, purple testing can be employed as part of vulnerability management efforts, providing a dynamic approach to validating and enhancing the organization’s security posture. By simulating real-world attack scenarios, purple testing helps assess the effectiveness of vulnerability mitigation strategies.
- Threat intelligence: Information that aids organizations in defending themselves against cyberattacks are known as threat intelligence. It can include data on known attacks, new attack methods, and trends in the threat landscape.
Commonly Found Vulnerabilities Listed In Pentest Report With Explanations
When a pentester attempts to find vulnerabilities in a system, they are looking for common security weaknesses that can be exploited. Some of the most common vulnerabilities that are found during pentests include:
-Insecure passwords: Passwords that are easy to guess or that are used across multiple systems are a major security weakness. Attackers can use brute force methods to guessing passwords, or they can obtain password lists from previous data breaches.
-Insufficient authentication and authorization: This vulnerability occurs when systems do not have adequate controls in place to verify the identity of users. This can allow attackers to gain access to sensitive information or perform actions that they should not be able to do.
-Insecure communications: Encrypted communications can be accessed and read by attackers. Attackers might be able to obtain critical data or listen in on conversations because of this.
-Insecure data storage: Data that is not properly secured can be accessed by unauthorized users. This can lead to data breaches or theft of confidential information.
– SQL injection: The acronym “SQL injection” refers to a method of attack in which harmful code is introduced into a database query. This might allow attackers to obtain access to critical information or take control of the database server.
These are only a few of the most prevalent problems discovered during pentests. By correcting these flaws, organizations may reduce their chance of being hacked. Additionally, it is important for businesses to keep up with new security threats and vulnerabilities so that they can stay one step ahead of attackers. If your internal team is not experienced enough to conduct a pentest then you always have a chance to look on google for top penetration testing firms.
Bottom Line
Pentesting is an important part of any company’s cybersecurity strategy. By understanding what pentesting is and how it can be used, businesses can better protect themselves against cyberattacks. Additionally, by taking other steps to improve their security posture, companies can further reduce their risk of being attacked. Stay safe out there!
Author Bio-
Ankit Pahuja is the Marketing Lead & Evangelist at Astra Security. Ever since his adulthood (literally, he was 20 years old), he began finding vulnerabilities in websites & network infrastructures. Starting his professional career as a software engineer at one of the unicorns enables him in bringing “engineering in marketing” to reality. Working actively in the cybersecurity space for more than 2 years makes him the perfect T-shaped marketing professional. Ankit is an avid speaker in the security space and has delivered various talks in top companies, early-age startups, and online events.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankit-pahuja/
