Cyber security is an ever-evolving field, and as such, so too is the need for proper penetration testing. Unfortunately, many businesses don’t consistently perform this type of testing, which can lead to vulnerabilities and potential attacks. So how often should it be done? And why is it so important? Read on to find out.
Why Is Cyber Security Penetration Testing Necessary?
Cyber security penetration testing is a process of testing the security of an organization’s computer networks, systems and applications to identify vulnerabilities. It helps to identify threats and vulnerabilities before they become actual problems, allowing organizations to make necessary updates and improvements to their cybersecurity defenses.
It can be helpful in a number of ways. It can help organizations assess their vulnerability to attack, identify any gaps in their security controls, and recommend changes that would improve overall safety and protection. It can also be used to confirm that the installation and use of new software is secure.
There are a number of factors that should be considered when deciding how often cyber security penetration testing should be done. The most important factor is the risk posed by the targeted organization, as different levels of risk require different levels of testing. Additionally, it may be helpful to perform penetration tests on a periodic basis, depending on the activity level or changes made within the organization’s network infrastructure or applications over time.
Types of Cyber Security Penetration Testing
There are a variety of different types of cyber security penetration testing. Some common types are:
- Scanning and vulnerability assessment – This type looks for vulnerabilities in systems and networks, identifies risks, and recommends mitigations.
- Vulnerability exploitation – This type exploits vulnerabilities to gain access to systems or data.
- Penetration testing with tools and techniques – This type uses specialized tools and techniques to break into systems or networks.
- Social engineering – This type involves exploiting human vulnerabilities to gain access to systems or data.
- Red teaming – This type involves using actors who are not authorized to access the system or network to test its defenses.
- Digital forensics – This type involves analyzing digital data to determine whether it is compromised.
- Malware analysis – This type involves identifying and understanding malicious software.
The Five Steps of a Cyber Security Penetration Test
To achieve maximum security, organizations must carry out regular cyber security penetration testing. However, there is no one answer to the question of how often a cyber security penetration test should be performed. Factors that need to be considered include the size and complexity of the organization, the specific threats faced, and the level of experience of the team performing the test.
Once these factors have been determined, an appropriate frequency can be set for conducting a cyber security penetration test. Generally speaking, however, it is always beneficial to perform a penetration test at least once every six months. These five steps of a cyber security penetration test are critical in determining whether a target system has been successfully compromised. By understanding the methods attackers use, planning an attack carefully, and verifying results, you can ensure that your organization’s systems are protected from cyber attacks.
- Observe and identify critical systems and infrastructure. Cyber security penetration tests must begin with a thorough observation of the target system’s infrastructure. This includes identifying the systems and devices that are important to the target, as well as the networks that link them. Knowing what systems are vulnerable can help attackers determine which targets to attack.
- Identify targets and vulnerabilities. Once you know what systems and infrastructure are important to the target, you need to identify which ones are vulnerable to attack. This can be done by using a variety of methods, such as scanning for vulnerabilities on systems and querying online databases for information about known vulnerabilities.
- Identify methods of attack. Once you have identified the targets and vulnerabilities, you need to determine how attackers will likely exploit them. This can be done by researching past attacks or testing various methods of attack in a controlled environment.
- Plan and execute the attack. Once you have identified the method of attack and determined how it will be used, it’s time to plan how it will be executed. This includes determining which devices will be targeted, planning how long the attack will take, and selecting the appropriate tools and tactics.
- Verify the results. Once the attack is complete, it’s important to verify that the target was successfully compromised. This can be done by looking for evidence of damage or infiltration, reviewing logs and security recordings, or conducting a retrospective analysis.
How Often Should Cyber Security Penetration Testing Be Done?
The goal of a cybersecurity penetration test is to identify and assess potential vulnerabilities in an organization’s networks and systems. It can be conducted periodically, as needed, or when specific risks are identified.
There is no one answer as to how often cyber security penetration testing should be done. Factors that will impact the frequency of it include the size and complexity of the organization, the level of risk posed by cybersecurity threats, and the resources available to conduct testing. It should be tailored to meet the specific needs of each organization.
Generally speaking, it is recommended that security audits be performed at least annually and cybersecurity penetration testing every three months. It should also be performed in response to identified risks or changes in business operations.
Conclusion
Cyber security penetration testing should be done on a regular basis to ensure that your business remains protected from online threats. By regularly testing your defenses and identifying any weaknesses, you can prevent serious breaches from happening and keep your customers safe.