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Definition: What is a pentest?
A pentest, short for penetration testing, is a unique form of security assessment that systematically looks for vulnerabilities in a computer system, network, or application. The key difference from other methods of security assessment is that a pentest not only looks for potential vulnerabilities but also attempts to exploit them practically.
Essentially, a pentest is initially a simulated hacker attack on your own IT system. This attack aims to check the security of the system and identify potential entry points for actual hacker attacks. In the context of IT security, the term pentest is often used synonymously with the term security audit or security assessment.
During pen testing, the target object – whether network, system, or application – is attacked under controlled conditions in order to uncover vulnerabilities and evaluate their impact. This is usually carried out by specially qualified professionals called penetration testers. The advantage of such an approach lies in the high precision of the results. While automated security scanners can only detect known vulnerabilities, penetration testers are also able to discover and evaluate previously unknown vulnerabilities.
Pentests are a crucial tool for assessing and continuously improving the security situation in the company. The information obtained through a pen test serves as the basis for the detailed evaluation of the security measures and the subsequent development of potential for improvement. Finally, the goal of every pentest is to minimize the security risk of the system being tested.
The types of pests
Pentests can be classified differently depending on the given context and prevailing knowledge. A fundamental distinction is made between the white box and the black box pentest. Both have specific advantages and are applied according to different scenarios and requirements.
White Box Pentesting
White box pen testing is a method of penetration testing in which the tester has full access to all system-relevant information. This could include source codes, IP addresses, network maps, and even some essential information like user IDs and passwords. In other words, this method simulates a scenario where an attacker has complete knowledge of the system.
The strengths of this method lie in the comprehensive and detailed analysis of the system. With complete access to all relevant data, the tester can gain deep insights in real-time and examine the system from the ground up. This makes white box pen-testing the method of choice when it comes to obtaining far-reaching and accurate findings. This is particularly important for complex systems or critical infrastructures.
Black Box Pentesting
In contrast to white box pen testing, in the black box pen testing scenario, the tester starts virtually blind. He has no specific information about the target system. He must carry out his attacks based on general assumptions and research, similar to an actual attacker who has no internal information about the system.
The strength of this method lies in checking systemic resilience against realistic attack scenarios. It represents an actual attack very accurately and provides information about how successful such an attack could be. It can also help identify vulnerabilities that might be overlooked under normal circumstances.
It is important to remember that neither the white box nor the black box method can be considered superior – they each have their place and usefulness in different aspects of IT security. The choice of method depends mainly on the requirements and goals of the organization commissioning the pentest.
The procedural flow of a pentest
Penetration testing is complicated and requires a series of orderly, methodical steps to be effective. These steps include preparation and familiarization, scanning and analysis, exploiting vulnerabilities, and finally, creating a report and maintaining the improvements introduced.
Phase 1: Preparation and getting to know each other
In the first phase of penetration testing, the boundaries and objectives of the test are determined. Legal aspects are clarified, a non-disclosure agreement can be signed, and specific goals and methods are set. For example, it may only affect particular systems (such as a public web portal) or the entire network. In this phase, the target system is learned, and, if necessary, the area and scope of the test is coordinated with the customer.
Phase 2: Scanning and Analysis
This is the section where the actual “hacking” work takes place. After the goals and boundaries are established, the tester begins an extensive scanning process. Using specific tools and techniques, he examines the networks and systems to find vulnerabilities. This can include a mix of manual and automated processes, depending on the type of test and the resources available. This phase aims to uncover possible entry points for an attack.
Phase 3: Exploiting Vulnerabilities
After identifying potential vulnerabilities, the tester begins to exploit them. This usually means that the tester is trying to break into the systems and gain privileged access. It is important to note that in this phase, each step is carefully documented to ensure that all results can be presented accurately and effectively later.
Phase 4: Reporting and education
The final step of the pentest is to create a comprehensive report on the results. This report typically contains a detailed description of the entire test, the methods used, and the vulnerabilities identified. In addition, it usually also includes recommendations for appropriate measures to address the identified vulnerabilities and to improve security in general. The report is typically shared with those responsible for the protection of the system so that they are able to act on the findings.
Obligations and ethical considerations in pen-testing
Penetration tests often operate within a complex ethical and legal framework. These are activities that, if not carried out correctly and ethically, can cause significant harm. Therefore, it is of great importance to respect certain obligations and ethical considerations.
Ethical duties and professional integrity
Maintaining professional integrity is critical. Pentesters are entrusted with sensitive information and systems, and it is their responsibility to protect this information and assets. Under no circumstances may they exploit their position to damage these systems or disclose confidential information. They should also always act in the interests of their customers and ensure that their activities do not cause unjustified harm.
Legal Obligations
Penetration testers must also adhere to applicable laws and regulations. This includes compliance with data protection laws and, if necessary, entering into a corresponding non-disclosure agreement. Unauthorized disclosure of confidential information may result in significant legal consequences.
Duty of care
At the same time, pen testers have a duty of care toward their customers. They must consider the potential impact of their activities on their customers’ business processes and should plan their tests carefully to minimize disruption to the company’s operations. In addition, they must inform their customers comprehensively about the risks and possible effects of the pentest.
Ultimately, penetration testing is a security tool and should always be carried out with the aim of improving rather than reducing security. Professional pen-testers are aware of their responsibility and always act in the best interests of their customers.
Conclusion: The value of a pentest for your company
Penetration testing is a fundamentally important tool in any company’s cybersecurity strategy. It offers a proactive method to identify vulnerabilities and risks before they can be discovered and exploited by attackers. Below, we discuss the critical aspects of how companies benefit from pentests.
Identification and remediation of vulnerabilities
The primary goal of a pen test is to identify security gaps in the system and network. It’s not just about technical weaknesses but also about organizational and human misconceptions and potential. Once the vulnerabilities are documented, measures can be taken to address them, resulting in an immediate improvement in the security situation.
Minimizing risks
By identifying and implementing improvement measures through a pen test, the overall associated risk of data theft and misuse is significantly reduced. Added to this is the awareness of existing vulnerabilities and opportunities for improvement, which makes the company more agile and resilient to changing attack vectors and methods.
Legal compliance and reduction of liability risks
Depending on the industry and region, there are different compliance requirements that a company must meet with regard to IT security. By conducting pen tests and demonstrating efforts to improve IT security, a company can avoid potential compliance violations while reducing the risk of liability in the event of a security incident.
Increasing customer trust
For many customers, data protection and IT security are now decisive factors in their purchasing decisions. Suppose a company is able to demonstrate that it is systematically testing its systems for vulnerabilities and remediating them. In that case, this is a decisive vote of confidence that can set them apart from competitors.
Overall, regular pen tests can make a significant contribution to improving a company’s security posture and preventing possible security incidents. They are, therefore, an essential part of every company’s IT security strategy.
Also Read : Why Do You Need Zero Trust Security?
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