So, you want to make sure your IT infrastructure is secure from threats? You need penetration testing. Here’s what you need to know and why it’s important.
What Is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing is a specific type of security threat analysis where an organization’s security is tested using the same methods hackers would use “in the wild” to try to gain access to, or compromise, the network.
These tests are usually scenario-based and attempt to assess the impact of various threats against an organization. The threats might range from the benign to very serious. Some tests consist of a nuisance attack more than anything else. And, some are an advanced, persistent threat (APT). These would be groups that are well-funded and focused on attacking a specific target.
If you want to learn more on penetration testing, or if you think you need a security analysis, you should contact a trusted IT security company and have a basic assessment done.
Why Is It Necessary?
Penetration testing is done for a variety of reasons. It can be a way to test your security, and make sure that all security controls are working as they should. It can also be a necessary component of a standardization or certification or accreditation to a standard, like ISO 27001.
Plus, without knowing where you are now with your security, how will you know what to improve on? Hackers are constantly changing their tactics, improving their attacks, and refining processes for compromising systems. You have to stay one step ahead of them.
In that sense, penetration testing isn’t any different from other kinds of testing. Just because you haven’t been breached doesn’t mean that you won’t be at some point in the future. There’s also the possibility that your network has been compromised and you don’t even know it.
How Often Should It Be Done?
Every business is potentially at risk. And, IT Governance recommends that companies do penetration testing at least quarterly. ISO 27001 recommends that tests be done at various stages of implementation. It’s also recommended that you do testing after any change to your infrastructure or public-facing web apps.
What Needs To Be Tested?
One of the most common ways to attack is to get your employees to open malicious files or visit malware-infected websites. In this regard, prevention is easy: don’t allow employees to open up suspicious emails and have your IT team filter emails from unknown sources.
Malicious software that’s opened will often install itself onto the target computer. Then, it will proceed to infect other computers or compromise the network in some other way to feed data back to the hacker or malicious user.
A risk analysis should also consider the possibility that the threat is coming from within the company. Malicious insiders could be feeding information to competitors, which is still a common threat.
Considerations For Special Industries
Some industries are more vulnerable than others. For example, companies that store credit card information, or that store any kind of personal financial information, are high-risk targets. Most hackers are looking for financial gain – they’re nothing more than cyber street thugs.
Making sure your company takes extra precautions is important if you handle sensitive information. But, even if you don’t, you should not neglect regular scans.
Irene Little is part of a global IT team and likes to share her industry insights online. She writes frequently on a diverse range of IT topics for a number of different websites.
