A Guide To Penetration Testing and Cyber Security Risks

You must have heard about “hacking”! It is an act of compromising digital devices, or in layman’s terms accessing someone’s data without their consent or knowledge. 

But what is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking, also known as Penetration Testing, was introduced as a response to the growing hacking problems. While ‘hacking’ is usually linked to malicious and illegal activities, Penetration Testing Services deals with authorized penetration testers who employ their talent and skills to pinpoint vulnerabilities and weaknesses in computer applications.

This blog will discuss everything you need to know about Penetration Testing and Cyber Security Risks. We will address all your concerns, such as What is Penetration Testing Service?, Its importance, and What are the most vulnerable sectors in the world?

 

What is Cyber Security Penetration Testing? 

Cyber Security Penetration Testing, also known as ethical hacking, is a simulated and authorized cyber attack performed on any computer system to analyze if it is prone to exploitative vulnerabilities. It involves systematic breaching of various applications to uncover susceptibilities. This test is typically executed to boost a WAF or web application firewall (WAF).

 

5 Penetration Testing Stages:

There are five stages of Penetration Testing Services.

Step 1: Planning Stage:

In this stage, testers finalize the scope and objective of the test. The Penetration Testing Services provider, in cooperation with the organization, gathers essential data, including network diagrams, IP addresses, and system configurations.

Step 2: Reconnaissance and Information Collection:

In the second stage, the tester collects as much information about the target system as possible. With the help of various techniques such as open-source intelligence (OSINT), network scanning, footprinting, etc., they gather valuable data about the organization’s infrastructure, applications, and possible vulnerabilities. 

Step 3: Scanning and Exploitation 

Next, the data collected is analyzed to identify all possible vulnerabilities. They are then exploited with the help of various ethical hacking methods to gain unauthorized access.

Step 4: Post-Exploitation and Analysis 

After completing the third step, the tester team evaluates the level of safety walls compromised and looks for further vulnerabilities. They also estimate the impact an attacker could have on the system. The aim is to understand the system’s reaction to the attack and comprehend the effectiveness of the intrusion detection system.

Step 5: Reporting And Recommendations

Finally, the Penetration Testing Services providers will generate a detailed report and summarize their findings along with the recommendation. It will include the solutions necessary to keep hackers at bay.

 

Industries That Are Highly Prone to Cyber-Attacks

• Energy and Utilities Sector
• Healthcare and Medical services
• Finance Sector
• Higher Education Institutes
• Government and Public sector
• Manufacturing and Industrial Sector
• Retail and E-commerce
• Technology and Software Development

Even though these sectors are the most susceptible to cyber hacking, other organizations should prioritize cyber security. With the ever-increasing importance and availability of the internet worldwide, it’s best to be ready to mitigate risks and safeguard against potential cyber threats.

 

Why Penetration Testing Services are Crucial?

Take a look at these shocking statistics for 2023:

• Data of around 422 million people were compromised in 2022.
• Healthcare, Financial Services, and Manufacturing industries were among the top 3 sectors with the highest cyber attacks.
• It is expected that by 2031, Ransome will occur every 2 seconds.
• The average expense of a data breach could surpass $5 million by the end of 2023.
• About 30,000 websites are hacked each day on a global level.

These numbers clearly state the importance of Penetration Testing Services in today’s time. Here we have mentioned a few crucial reasons why you should not wait anymore to get Penetration Testing done.

 

Uncovers the vulnerabilities before any misshapen

Finding and exploiting covert security flaws is extremely vital. Penetration tests help you in the process of discovering vulnerabilities that your in-house team might have missed. It not only highlights the deficiencies but also provides solutions for the same to keep your system safe from attackers.

Prepares you for an attack

Another important reason is the preparedness to handle an attack. Penetration Testing Services train you and your systems to handle any type of break-in from hackers. It acts as a fire drill for your business.

Risk Identification

These tests help you understand which channel or part of your organization is on the verge of most risk. With this information, you can pay special attention to that system for enhanced security.

Limited Future Errors

Test reports help in minimizing future mistakes in security. Once your team is aware of the risks associated and the vulnerable sections, they can improve in prospective projects. Hence, it can be used as a ‘rule book’ for future systems. 

 

Final Words

To summarize, Penetration Testing Services can be a boon to your firm. It not just protects you from current malicious attacks but also prepares you for all future unfortunate situations. 

However, you must remember that Penetration testing is not a mere ‘one-time’ task. With a constant flow of new updates in the hacking world, you also have to upgrade with time. Also know the Real-world examples of penetration testing success stories.

So, make sure to hire a reputed and experienced Penetration Testing Services provider for a safe and stress-free working life. Reach us for assistance.

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