{"id":24490,"date":"2022-08-28T11:49:40","date_gmt":"2022-08-28T18:49:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voice123.com\/blog\/?p=24490"},"modified":"2022-08-28T11:51:06","modified_gmt":"2022-08-28T18:51:06","slug":"penetration-test-how-to-make-it-work-for-your-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voice123.com\/blog\/marketing-trends-tactics\/penetration-test-how-to-make-it-work-for-your-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Penetration test: how to make it work best for your business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you\u2019re a small, medium, or large enterprise, the penetration test is a must-follow security business testing technique<\/a>. As a form of ethical hacking, this process can help you maintain your digital security and prevent a data hack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How so? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, with the majority of companies now operating through online platforms<\/a>, the risk of hackers, cyber attackers, and breaches of confidential data, are no longer just movie themes. They have since become credible threats to security and even personal information. And this is where the penetration test has really changed the concept of online security. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What exactly is the penetration test? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image: Envato<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In a nutshell, pen testing, or ethical hacking, prepares and plans an authorized breach of a company\u2019s security system. Skilled testers evaluate your system for attack susceptibility to prevent a real-life hack from taking place. This incredible tool exposes vulnerable loopholes hackers could potentially exploit in a company\u2019s IT infrastructure. Now, the aim of the penetration test is to basically identify any weakness in the system by following a structured and authorized test. Weaknesses are then reported and rectified to prevent any long-term security failures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The test is performed by either tech personnel or an automated AI program<\/a>. Essentially, by attacking a network through a host of techniques, and back channels, the testers will see just how much of the system they can penetrate. The main focus of the test is to access the company\u2019s network and try to gain full control. Although it sounds like something straight out of Hackers<\/a>, the penetration test is not there to scare or rip you off in any way. In fact, this test has been used in various industries with positive outcomes. If a company systematically and intentionally attacks its own network, it can find various points of access that could lead to a breach. Having this useful knowledge can help companies plug the hole before it\u2019s exploited. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different types of penetration tests<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These tests can work on apps, and even IP address ranges making them versatile and efficient. Simulated attacks also identify the vulnerabilities in a system\u2019s defense, making companies aware of how hackers could infiltrate authorized-only areas and gain access to personal information. Now, penetration tests differ because of a project’s scope and the projected test\u2019s end result. These are often referred to as black, white, and gray box testing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Black box penetration testing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In an actual hack, the cyber attacker won\u2019t know the specifics of a company\u2019s IT infrastructure. To achieve success in a short amount of time, the hacker will usually launch an all-out invasion of the company\u2019s system. The purpose is to force-find a weakness that could turn into an opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this test to work, the pen tester likewise lacks specific information about the company\u2019s system. They\u2019ll start from scratch and knock on as many doors as possible until they find the weakest one to open. However, going-off very little information means the black-box test is more of a marathon than a sprint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: Envato<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

White box penetration testing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As the name suggests, this test is more transparent than the black-box test. The tester knows how to gain access and has the necessary codes, passwords, and information to achieve it. Since the tester has the information this test is considerably shorter than the black-box test. On the downside, it takes longer for testers to know which part of the system to pay more attention to since they have access to everything. Also, the tester needs to use advanced tools and software to get better results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gray box Penetration testing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is a black-and-white-box combo test where the tester has limited knowledge of the company\u2019s system. The tester uses auto and manual methods to gain access but the plus side is that they can pay more attention to specific system areas. This directly targets weaknesses and vulnerabilities that may otherwise have slipped through the cracks.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do penetration tests target?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Penetration tests are not confined to any one security element. In fact, the pen test encompasses specific apps and entire networks and services. So, large companies may want to focus on certain network security aspects and small companies may prefer to target their entire security system. In this way, there\u2019s something for everyone. The penetration test could target:<\/p>\n\n\n\n