Offensive security refers to activities that involve actively attacking and probing systems to uncover vulnerabilities. In contrast, defensive security concentrates on implementing protective measures to safeguard systems from potential threats. While offensive security aims to find weaknesses, defensive security focuses on mitigating and preventing attacks.
Penetration Testing
What is a Penetration Test?
A penetration test, or pen-test, is an attempt to evaluate the security of an IT infrastructure by safely trying to exploit vulnerabilities.
These vulnerabilities may exist in operating systems, services and application flaws, improper configurations or risky end-user behavior.
Such assessments are also useful in validating the efficacy of defensive mechanisms, as well as, end-user adherence to security policies.
How are these test performed?
Penetration tests are typically performed using manual or automated technologies to systematically compromise servers, endpoints, web applications, wireless networks, network devices, mobile devices and other potential points of exposure.
Once vulnerabilities have been successfully exploited on a particular system, testers may attempt to use the compromised system to launch subsequent exploits at other internal resources – specifically by trying to incrementally achieve higher levels of security clearance and deeper access to electronic assets and information via privilege escalation.
What's the purpose of this test?
The fundamental purpose of penetration testing is to measure the feasibility of systems or end-user compromise and evaluate any related consequences such incidents may have on the involved resources or operations.
As part of the WLB Infosec security assessments, and depending on the level of rigor, our security teams employ a variety of techniques for uncovering unknown vulnerabilities.
Attack Vectors May Include:
External Network
Hackers use numerous attack vectors to launch attacks that take advantage of system weaknesses, cause a data breach, or steal login credentials.
Social Engineering
Social engineering is an attack vector that relies heavily on human interaction and often involves manipulating people into breaking normal security procedures and best practices to gain unauthorized access to systems, networks or physical locations or for financial gain.
Physical Attacks
With employees working outside of the physical workplace perimeters and using unsecured WiFi networks, hacking incidents and accidental exposure of critical business ports and other internal environments are increasing.
Wireless Network
Wireless attacks have become a very common security issue when it comes to networks. This is because such attacks can really get a lot of information that is being sent across a network and use it to commit some crimes in other networks.
Frequently asked questions
What is network penetration testing?
Penetration testing, often referred to as ethical hacking, is a proactive security assessment where skilled professionals simulate real-world cyberattacks on a company’s IT infrastructure, applications, and systems. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them, thus helping organizations strengthen their security measures.
What is offensive security?
Offensive security involves adopting a proactive and aggressive approach to cybersecurity, focusing on actively testing and attacking systems to identify potential weaknesses. It encompasses activities like penetration testing, red teaming, and ethical hacking, all aimed at enhancing an organization’s overall security posture.
What is a penetration test report?
A penetration test report is a detailed documentation of the findings, methodologies, and results obtained during a penetration testing engagement. It includes a summary of vulnerabilities discovered, their severity, and actionable recommendations to improve the organization’s security posture.
What is the difference between penetration testing and a vulnerability scan?
While both penetration testing and vulnerability scanning aim to identify weaknesses, they differ in their approach and depth of assessment. Penetration testing involves skilled experts actively attempting to exploit vulnerabilities and simulate real-world attacks, providing a comprehensive analysis of an organization’s security. On the other hand, vulnerability scanning is an automated process that scans for known vulnerabilities, providing a more basic overview of potential weaknesses.
How often should we conduct penetration testing?
The frequency of penetration testing depends on several factors, such as the organization’s size, industry regulations, and the rate of system changes. As a general guideline, it is recommended to perform penetration testing annually or after significant changes to the IT infrastructure.
What qualifications do your penetration testers hold?
Our penetration testing team consists of highly skilled professionals with extensive experience and relevant certifications, such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), among others.
Is penetration testing compliant with industry standards?
Yes, our penetration testing services adhere to industry standards and best practices, including those outlined by organizations like the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
How can penetration testing benefit our organization?
Penetration testing offers numerous benefits, including identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities, enhancing overall security posture, complying with industry regulations, and gaining insights into potential risks before malicious actors can exploit them.
What types of systems and applications can be tested during a penetration test?
Our skilled penetration testing team can assess a wide range of systems and applications, including web applications, mobile apps, network infrastructure, wireless networks, IoT devices, and more. We tailor our testing scope to meet the specific needs of your organization.