Pen testing is a procedure of pinpointing the security mistakes in a network or system and making an effort of resolve them. The outcomes of pen tests play an imperative role in finding and resolving security flaws.
Introduction
The main responsibility of the pen tester is to resolve vulnerabilities, entailing determining which pen testing technique is most suitable for the situation. It is extremely challenging task that need advanced knowledge and skills.
A pen tester requires to have familiarity with various hacking methods and adopt an in-depth network security information. They also have knowledge to implement different tools to evaluate the target systems security position. According to various statistics;
- In 2025, pen testing industry will reach up to $4.5billion.
- 1 in 5 companies do not assess their software security vulnerabilities.
- 40% of the companies do not have enough cybersecurity.
Keeping this scenario under consideration, we are presenting to you 5 phases of pen testing.
Reconnaissance
The first stage of pen testing is called reconnaissance. During this phase, the testers collect maximum information regarding the target systems. This includes relevant information, user accounts, operating apps and systems and the network topology. The main objective is to collect maximum information so that testers can easily plan their effective attack plan.
Scanning
After collecting all the relevant information in the first phase, it is time to move on to the scanning phase. During this phase of the pen testing, the tester incorporates different tools to pinpoint open ports and assess network traffic on the target structure. Open ports are possible entry points for attackers. Pen testers require to pinpoint as majority of the open ports as conceivable for the next pen testing phase.
This stage can also be implemented outside of the pen testing. This is called vulnerability scanning and most of the time it is an automated process. Therefore, while scanning is important for cyber security, it also requires human intervention to some extent in form of pen testers to complete potential.
Vulnerability Assessment
This is the 3rd pen testing stage in this the testers utilize all the data collected in the reconnaissance and scanning stages to pinpoint vulnerabilities and see the techniques through which they can be exploited. Scanning and vulnerability evaluation is a powerful tool but it is more helpful when it is combined with other pen testing stages.
When seeing the risk of identifying vulnerabilities during this phase, pen testers have various resources to turn to. One is the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) a source of vulnerability management data developed and maintained by the US government that assess the software vulnerabilities written in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposure (CVE) database. The NVD rates the intensity of popular vulnerabilities utilizing the common vulnerability scoring systems (CVSS).
Exploitation
After pinpointing the vulnerabilities, it is the time for exploitation. During this stage, the pen testers make attempts to enter the system and exploit the pinpointed vulnerabilities It is done typically by utilizing a tool like Metasploit to replicate real world scenarios.
Maybe, this is the most fragile pen testing stage because penetrating the targeted system needs bypassing all sorts of security restrictions. There is a very lesser probability of the system crashing during the pen testing phase. Even then, the testers must still be cautious to guarantee that the system is not damaged or compromised.
Reporting
After finishing the exploitation stage, the tester formulates a report documenting the findings of the pen tests. The report is produced in this final pen testing stage. It can be utilized to resolve vulnerabilities detected in the systems and enhance the company’s security position.
Creating a pen testing report needs clear documentation of the vulnerabilities and putting them into the context where companies reduce their security risks. The most useful entail sections for a comprehensive outline of identified vulnerabilities, a company affect evaluation, an explanation of exploitation stages’ complexity, strategic recommendations, remediation advice and technical risk explanation.
Conclusion
After viewing the discussion above, it can be concluded that a best pen testing company always incorporates these five stages of pen testing prior to releasing the final product. Going through these stages will make your product flawless.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is pen testing?
This is a type of testing where the testers attack the system vulnerabilities in the stimulated environment.
What is a pen testing approach?
This approach is used to methodologically assess system security incorporating techniques and plans utilized by the attackers.
What are the five pen testing stages?
- Reconnaissance
- Scanning
- Vulnerability assessment
- Exploitation
- Reporting
Diginatives is the top-notch pen testing company with more than 5 years of experience. If you want similar services for yourself please contact us.
