Are you concerned about the security of your organization's digital assets? With the increasing frequency and sophistication  of cyberattacks, it's essential to adopt robust security measures. An effective way to ensure the strength of your systems is by conducting penetration testing. By simulating real-world attacks, penetration tests identify vulnerabilities that could be easily exploited. Your organization can benefit from these tests to strengthen defenses, improve incident response and safeguard sensitive data. Learn more about cybersecurity penetration testing to equip your company with the knowledge to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

What Is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing occurs when an IT professional replicates the actions of malicious cybercriminals. The purpose of the testing is to target a specific workplace technology, such as the organization’s network(s), website, applications, software, security systems or physical assets. It can mimic various attack methods, including malware, social engineering, password cracking and network hacking.

A contracted IT firm often conducts penetration testing. An impartial professional performs an authentic cyberattack simulation. The experiment will either be performed in an external or internal format and differentiated by the following:

• External penetration testing involves an IT expert to simulate an attack on an organization’s external-facing workplace technology from an outside perspective. The IT professional is not permitted physical access to the organization’s physical premises during the testing. The remote cyberattack imitates the methods of an actual cybercriminal.
• Internal penetration testing involves the IT expert conducting simulated attacks on an organization’s internal workplace technology from an inside perspective.This testing helps the organization understand internal vulnerabilities and potential risks.

Two types of penetration tests differ based on the information an organization provides before the simulation. Specifically:

• Open-box test: The organization communicates certain technology and cybersecurity details with the IT expert before the attack launches.
• Closed-box test: This takes place when the IT expert isn't provided with any details before conducting the attack.

Your organization should select a penetration testing format and type based on the specific workplace technology elements and cybersecurity measures you want to evaluate.

Advantages of Penetration Testing

Improved Cybersecurity Assessments

Realistic cyberattack simulations help assist your organization in accurately evaluating security strengths and weaknesses. This process reveals the actual costs associated with security concerns..

Greater Detection of Potential Vulnerabilities

When a penetration test reveals a failure in your workplace technology or other cybersecurity protocols, it provides a clearer picture of vulnerabilities. This information can be used to address security gaps and guide further cyber initiative investments.

Enhanced Compliance Capabilities

Some organizations are legally required to engage in penetration testing. For example, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard mandates routine penetration tests for organizations involved in payment transactions. These assessments ensure your organization’s compliance and meet specific expectations of its industry.

Bolstered Cybersecurity Awareness

Simulating real-life cyberattack scenarios can highlight the value of prevention for your employees and encourage workplace cybersecurity prioritization.

Best Practices for Penetration Testing

Establish Goals

Determine your organization’s penetration test objectives, including:

• Identifying the potential benefits and insights your organization can gain from penetration testing.
• Assessing the most prominent cybersecurity threats and trends for your organization and industry.
• Applying these threats and trends to the penetration test process.
• Focusing workplace technology or cybersecurity protocols with the penetration test.

Select a Trusted IT Professional

Choose a reliable IT expert with a proven track record to offer guidance and support with the penetration test.

Develop an Effective Strategy

Prior to the penetration test, work closely with your IT experts to create an appropriate plan. Elements your plan should include:

• A clearly defined testing timeframe
• Identification of individuals who should have prior knowledge of the test.
• The type and format of the test
• Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Established boundaries of the test such as determining which cyberattack simulations can be utilized and what workplace technology can be targeted.

Document & Review Results

Maintain detailed notes during the penetration test and discuss the results with your IT professionals. Examine which simulation cybersecurity tactics were successful and the measures that fell short. Request suggestions to property rectify security gaps. 

Implement Changes as Needed

Make any necessary adjustments to your workplace technology or cybersecurity measures based on penetration test results. This may involve updating security software or revising workplace policies accordingly. 

Adhere to a Schedule

Perform penetration testing on an annual basis and after introducing any new technology systems in the workplace

We're Here to Help Protect Your Organization from a Cyberattack

The rise of cyber threats poses a significant risk to organizations, potentially resulting in severe consequences. Employing penetration testing can effectively identify vulnerabilities within your company's infrastructure and provide valuable insights. By simulating various attack scenarios, these tests enable your organization to gain knowledge about potential threats and enhance its level of readiness. Connect with a member of our team for additional risk management guidance and cybersecurity insurance solutions.