Penetration testing

Who doesn't love a friendly break-in?

 

What is penetration testing?

Penetration testing, also referred to as pen testing or ethical hacking, is a controlled and authorised cyberattack simulation conducted by security professionals to identify vulnerabilities in an organisation’s digital infrastructure. The primary goal of a penetration test is to uncover weaknesses in systems, applications, or networks before malicious actors can exploit them. By simulating realistic attack scenarios, pen tests provide invaluable insights into how a company might fare under a real-world cyber assault. 

These tests are typically carried out by pentesters: ethical hackers who, after their test, write a report on the process.  They are experts who think like cybercriminals but act with permission and integrity. Their job is to probe systems using the same tools and techniques as hackers, with the intention of exposing vulnerabilities that may not be evident through automated tools or routine security audits. The results of a pen test allow businesses to strengthen their cyber defences and refine their incident response strategies. 

Why penetration testing matters

In an era where cyberattacks are increasingly sophisticated and prevalent, no organisation can afford to ignore proactive security assessments. Penetration testing plays a critical role in a well-rounded cybersecurity strategy by helping organisations do the following: 
  • Identify security gaps
    Pen tests bring to light both technical flaws and misconfigurations, often revealing areas where security policies or employee practices might also be lacking.
  • Prevent real-world breaches
    By identifying and addressing weaknesses before attackers do, organisations significantly reduce the likelihood of a successful breach.
  • Achieve regulatory compliance
    Many industries are subject to strict cybersecurity regulations. Frameworks such as PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and GDPR often require or strongly recommend regular penetration testing as part of due diligence and risk management.
  • Protect brand reputation
    The fallout from a data breach or system compromise extends beyond financial loss as it could also erode customer trust. Penetration testing is an important tool in demonstrating a commitment to security.

Types of penetration testing

Penetration tests are not one-size-fits-all. They can be tailored based on the organisation's goals and the level of internal knowledge the tester is given. The most common types include: 
  • Black box testing
    In this scenario, the tester is given no prior information about the target system. It simulates an external attack from someone who has no insider knowledge, like a typical hacker.
  • Grey box testing
    The tester is granted limited information, perhaps user-level access or internal documentation. This mimics an attack from an insider or a hacker who has breached the perimeter and is exploring from within.
  • White box testing
    Also referred to as clear box or crystal box testing. Here, the tester is given complete access to system information, including architecture diagrams, source code, and credentials. This approach is the most thorough and is typically used to assess the security of complex systems from the inside out.
Each method provides unique insights and should be selected based on specific risk scenarios and testing objectives. 

The process

While every engagement is customised, most penetration tests follow a standard methodology designed to simulate the stages of a real-world attack. These stages include: 
  • 1.Planning and reconnaissance
    This is the information-gathering phase, where the scope is defined and intelligence is collected to better understand the target system.
  • 2.Scanning and analysis
    Automated tools are used to identify open ports, services, and potential vulnerabilities. The goal here is to build a map of the attack surface.
  • 3.Gaining access
    Exploits are deployed against identified weaknesses. This step is where the simulated attack attempts to breach the system, often escalating privileges once access is gained.
  • 4.Maintaining access
    The tester assesses whether an attacker could establish a persistent presence within the system, such as installing backdoors or creating rogue accounts.
  • 5.Post-exploitation and analysis
    This involves collecting data from the test, assessing the business impact of the vulnerabilities, and identifying how long an attacker might go undetected.
  • 6.Reporting
    A comprehensive report is delivered, typically including an executive summary, technical findings, risk ratings, and detailed remediation recommendations.

Penetration testing vs. vulnerability scanning

It’s not uncommon for penetration testing to be confused with vulnerability scanning, but the two serve very different purposes. Understanding the distinction is vital for any organisation aiming to improve its cybersecurity posture. 

Vulnerability scanning

Penetration testing

To put it simply: vulnerability scanning tells you what might be wrong; penetration testing tells you what can go wrong and how far an attacker could get. Both are necessary components of a mature security programme, but they serve distinct roles. Vulnerability scanning is best suited for routine checks and compliance requirements, while penetration testing provides the in-depth insight needed for strategic risk management and defence hardening.

It is important to note, however, that penetration testing is limited in both time and scope. It only reveals certain vulnerabilities within a specific part of the network at a particular moment. While it does not provide a complete picture, it serves as a valuable starting point for assessing your organisation’s level of cybersecurity maturity. 

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Looking for comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored to your organisation's needs? Explore our Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services. Our SOC provides scalability, cost-effectiveness, and access to specialised expertise. Our MDR services help organisations detect, analyse, and respond to cyber threats in real time, leveraging advanced threat intelligence and proactive monitoring to identify and mitigate risks like ransomware and cyber espionage. We also assist in navigating cybersecurity regulations such as NIS2, providing visibility into security telemetry and log retention. With an “assume breach” mindset, we help organisations strengthen their security posture and reduce the impact of potential threats.