A network is the basic component of any organization transacting business over the internet. Nonetheless, the interconnectivity of networks implies that they are susceptible to cyberattacks. Hence, Network penetration testing is a leading way used to facilitate the security of the network. It includes performing simulations of actual attacks in the network to locate and correct any vulnerability that exists in the network.
According to Forbes, the damage from cybercrime is expected to increase to 10.5 trillion dollars by 2025. Reports indicate that 54% of cyberattacks are on the network and the applications, which rise in the future.
This blog comprehensively references network security testing, addressing its significance, methodology, and tools.
Network penetration testing is an essential element of contemporary cybersecurity. It authenticates defences, exposes risky settings, and displays practical effect. Yet, it is well-paying to prioritize and find actionable results to reduce exposure and enhance defences. Companies can make network penetration testing a strategic asset rather than a checkbox to achieve this by selecting the correct provider, integrating testing as part of the overall security plan, and commitment to remediation.
Like any security check, it assists in finding weaknesses before it become issues. More precisely, a network penetration test ensures:
You can identify some threats before malicious actors can exploit them.
The security regulations in many industries are strict and demand frequent pen testing.
When you know the vulnerabilities of your network, better placed to manage risks and preserve your assets.
The high security position stops disruption caused by cyberattacks.
Businesses should ensure they are well secured from the partners’ and customers’ expectations.
Network security and penetration testing carefully follow a structured path and effectively simulate real-world attacks without harming the client.
Establish goals, target systems, test windows, legal approvals and what is in/out of scope. Determine authorized methods and communication procedures.
Gather external and internal data: DNS, IP ranges, network structure, open-source intelligence. Passive actions reduce the detection; active listing will start to chart assets.
Determine live hosts, open ports, services and versions using non-destructive scans. This generates the attack surface to be analyzed.
Correlate identifies known weaknesses of services and (based on the findings) ranks them in order of severity and exploitability.
This stage concerns real risk verification instead of the raw scanner image.
Strive to use proven vulnerabilities to display effect (access, data exfiltration, privilege escalation), without taking destructive measures. Have a tight change-control.
Check persistence, escalation of privilege and the possibility of traversing the network again in a controlled manner.
Gathering public available information (OSINT, DNS records, IP ranges, etc.) that does not imply any direct interaction with the target to minimize their detection.
Probing systems manually to identify the system, open ports, services and versions with the help of tools to map the attack surface.
Comparing the identified services and configurations to the known security weaknesses aims to bring out possible risks.
To show real-world threats, one should use the controlled exploits such as privilege escalation, SQL, or buffer overflows.
Justifying the strength of user credentials through brute-force or dictionary attacks, or credential-stuffing attacks.
Network security testing usually reveals various vulnerabilities hackers can use to obtain unauthorized access or interfere with operations. Some of the most prevalent ones are:
Older operating systems, firmware, or applications put networks under known exploits, malware.
Bad password behaviour, including simple or vendor-default passwords and password reuse, facilitates simple brute force or dictionary attacks.
Backdoors to the network are gained through incorrectly configured access control lists, overprotective rules, or even open ports.
Without appropriate detection systems, malicious activities can proceed without being noticed before cause serious damage.
Here are some of the leading network penetration testing cost factors:
A single application test is less expensive than an overall infrastructure or cloud environment security check. The complexity of the IT environment within an organization raises costs because various technologies and large networks require deeper analysis and special testing.
Generally, black box tests are cheaper when compared to white box tests, which involve detailed information about a system to provide the tests with analysis.
Companies with a history of success in penetration testing typically cost more, as they are more experienced and the necessary expertise is reflected in vulnerability detection and actionable data.
Specific tests and detailed reports require more effort, which increases the cost.
The price depends on the balance between the market demand for penetration tests and the availability of skilled testers. Top-quality network penetration testing services are usually priced high due to increasing demand and the lack of testing skills.
The network architecture differs among various organizations and has different security requirements. Nevertheless, it is possible to select the appropriate network security testing firm by using the following tips:
An established testing company has a history of network VAPT. Verify the nature of networks experimented with and experience in the industry.
An excellent network security testing firm must offer detailed reports, an overview of the vulnerabilities detected, their level of impact and proposed solutions. Clear and actionable reports enable the development team to take the necessary action to improve the network’s security.
Read client reviews about the company and request them to provide a reference. Negative reviews and feedback may also inform you about the company’s functionalities and professionalism.
Ensure the company adheres to a hybrid testing approach involving automated vulnerability scanning software and manual penetration testing. A blend of the two provides an integrated security assessment.
Conduct tests every quarter, biannually or annually based on risk and change rate.
Automated vulnerability management provides complete coverage with pen tests to verify deeper.
Map findings into SLT and owner ticketing systems.
Utilize the outcomes to improve segmentation, patching cadence, access controls, and logging.
Incorporating network penetration testing in a security plan extends beyond the vulnerability suspects; it creates a culture of offensive defence. Compared to single-time attacks, continuous and strategic pen testing offers organizations practical tips on how attackers use the vulnerabilities to their advantage to ensure that corrective measures are both effective and performed in a timely fashion.
It is changing security into a proactive approach rather than a reactive one that adapts as new threats arise. Organizations that make network penetration testing a continuous investment are better placed in the modern threat environment, where threats keep perfecting their methods.
A good report does not just contain a list of vulnerabilities. It contains business risk background, evidence-based exploits, priority-of-remediation procedures, and explicit recommendations to the technical and business stakeholders.
Penetration testers do not get involved in the actual execution of penetration tests except as required by the client. Ethical hacking is no longer limited to vulnerability testing of the IT environment of a client against malicious attacks. Ethical Hackers play an essential role in testing an organization’s security policies, developing countermeasures and applying defensive solutions to security problems.
Penetration testing is used to identify external threats, but is engineered to detect internal threats. Internal penetration testing determines vulnerabilities that may be used by the entities within the network.