A pen test or penetration test is a simulated attack incurred by ethical hackers on the IT infrastructure of the organization. This is primarily done to assess its security and pinpoint vulnerabilities that are required to be sorted. Pen testing advantages entail assisting determination if the system is vigorous and capable of thwarting various sorts of attacks.
Testers incorporate similar methods and tools as hackers identify vulnerabilities and show their effect on a business. A range of attacks are replicated for in-depth testing. Almost every characteristic of the system can be assessed if needed.
Introduction
Cyber threats also mean a risk of cyberattacks targeted at theft, damage, disruption, and unauthorized access of data like intellectual property, computer networks, and IT assets. Cyber threats can be both internal and external. They include; unknown entities performing remotely or trusted users within the company. External users can incorporate accidental actions, activists, organized crime syndicates, corporate spies, hostile nation-states, and terror organizations.
Some Examples of Cyber Attacks In 2024
Improper Data Management
Data mismanagement makes your organization vulnerable to data breaches and raises compliance issues as well. Millions of data terabytes are produced on a daily basis, but more than 50% of this is unused. It leads to confusion and gives rise to cyber-attacks. External pen testing, implementing regular data audits, controlling access, and encryption of data play a significant role in eliminating risks.
Ransomware
This is the simple extortion of digital form. In fact, it is becoming dangerous and sophisticated as it paralyzes companies and shuts down critical systems. In order to overcome this, you should have a strong backup system in place and offer sufficient training to employees. Last year, more than 70% of the organizations were attacked by ransomware. It costs billions of dollars. The majority of the organizations were also targeted by the second wave.
Cloud Vulnerabilities
While the cloud provides excellent efficiency and scaling, it throws up particular security challenges. Last year, almost 39% of the companies experienced some sort of breach in the cloud environment. The major cloud pen testing benefits are that they assist to identify and patch such vulnerabilities.
Deteriorating Cyber Hygiene
This shows that the behaviors and practices adopted by individuals and companies to guarantee the security of their IT environment. Prompt system patching, enforcing strong passwords, multifactor authentication, etc. are a few of the practices.
Configuration Errors
Misconfigured systems serve as a big playground for cybercriminals. It exposes sensitive information or provides them with paths to enter. Such mistakes lead to unauthorized access to the most valued data. Seeing these mistakes is a big business benefit for pen testing.
Third-party Exposure
Being connected with third-party systems sometimes gives rise to vulnerabilities that the hackers exploit. One of the biggest advantages of pen testing is that it can assist in verifying the authenticity of partners and third-party vendors. Reaching out to the best pen testing companies can help to eliminate all sorts of risks.
Social Engineering
A dangerous online threat is implemented by cyber criminals to reach sensitive data by exploiting all sorts of human emotions. Pretest calls and phishing fall into this category. Specialists estimate that more than 3/4ths of cyber-attacks begin with emails that are created to appear as if they are from a trusted source.
Why Pen Testing Is A Game Changer For Security Teams?
Security breaches are becoming more frequent and intense. Companies must have the means to avoid them. Various data security regulations, like PCI DSS and HIPAA, have made it important to implement pen testing to stay compliant with up-to-date rules. Here are some of the advantages of pen testing:
· Identify loopholes in upstream vulnerability assessment activities and assurance practices.
· Detect hidden and visible flaws in security and software vulnerabilities, entailing minor ones that have the possibility to cause considerable harm in a difficult attack.
· Replicate the majority of the malicious cyber-attacks to detect the impacts on the organization in the event of a real-time attack.
· Helps in applying security patches rapidly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is pen testing?
Pen testing is when ethical hackers scale planned attacks on the company’s infrastructural security to identify the company’s security vulnerabilities that are required to be patched up.
How does pen testing enhance network security?
By utilizing this information; you can train developers to avoid these errors in the future and enhance your security.
What is the main difference between pen testing and security testing?
Security testing makes use of tools that assess code for vulnerabilities. Whereas, pen testing replicates cyber-attacks incorporating various tools.
What is the significance of testing in security?
It allows companies to strengthen their defenses and maintain the trust and confidence of clients.
Diginatives is a top-notch pen testing company that has more than 5 years of experience in delivering the best pen testing services. If you want seamless services for yourself; please contact us.
