With the looming threat of cyberattacks on the rise, more and more organizations across Australia are leveling up their penetration or pen testing game. In fact, the current penetration testing market in Australia is valued at a whopping $371 million.
While this testing is crucial to distinguishing between critical and less significant vulnerabilities and identifying false positives, deciding on a suitable test for your business can be challenging.
Perhaps you’re unaware of the different tests and the importance of each. This guide cuts through the industrial jargon to help you determine the right penetration test for your organization.
Types of Penetration Testing
Before you choose a reliable penetration testing service provider, it is important to be familiar with the different types of tests, which include –
1. Wireless Penetration Testing
This pen testing is specifically done to test the security of an organization’s Wireless Local Area Network or WLAN. Other wireless protocols, such as ZigBee, Bluetooth, and Z-Wave, may also be included. This test can detect vulnerabilities in WPA, access points, and encryption.
2. Internal/External Infrastructural Testing
This penetration testing specifically targets cloud and on-premise infrastructure, including system hosts, firewalls, and devices such as switches and routers. This test may be internal, targeting assets functioning within the organization, or external, targeting internet-facing assets.
3. Mobile Application Testing
This testing is done to assess the security of mobile applications, both Android and iOS. Issues related to session handling, data leakage, authorization, and authentication can be identified through this test.
4. Web Application Testing
This penetration testing focuses mainly on web and custom web applications. To conduct this test, you must first ascertain the number of apps that need testing. This test uncovers any design, development, or coding defects.
5. Social Engineering
This test is meant to determine the ability of an organization’s personnel and systems to take action against email phishing attacks. Risks surrounding spear phishing, Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks, etc., are generally uncovered.
6. Build and Configuration Review
This test is performed to review the status of configurations and network builds. The engagement reveals configuration issues across firewalls, web servers, routers, etc.
The Black vs. White vs. Grey Box Debate
Besides the types of penetration testing, the style of testing is also essential. Usually, testing styles can be distinguished as a black, white, or grey box. Let’s check out each.
- Black Box Testing – In this testing style, the testing service provider is offered no information whatsoever. They assume the role of an unprivileged attacker, right from the stage of access through execution to disruption and exploitation.
- White Box Testing – Under this penetration testing style, the pen tester is offered all information regarding the system and network. Sharing credentials and network maps save money and is a less time-consuming engagement.
- Grey Box Testing – Under this testing style, the pen tester receives only limited information, perhaps just the login credentials. Striking a balance between efficiency and depth, this testing helps understand the level of damage even limited info can cause.
Final Thoughts
A lot is at stake with penetration testing, even your organization’s reputation. Choose a pen testing service provider who specializes in testing a broad spectrum of vulnerabilities. Also, ensure they have the expertise to help remediate a vulnerable situation.
Comprehensive testing services specialize in post-test care, remediation guidance, security advice, etc. Choose your service provider wisely, and happy testing.
