Penetration Testing

Identify vulnerabilities with pentesting

Penetration testing, often called pentesting, is a simulated cyberattack performed by security experts to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in systems, applications, and networks. The goal is to discover weaknesses before real attackers can exploit them. Pentesting is a crucial part of an organization’s security strategy, helping companies proactively manage security risks in a world where cyber threats constantly evolve. By regularly testing their IT environment, organizations can identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited, meet regulatory requirements such as GDPR, NIS2, DORA, and ISO 27001, build trust with customers and partners by demonstrating a strong commitment to security, and reduce costs of potential security incidents by detecting and fixing issues in time.

What is Penetration Testing?

Pentesting is an active approach to testing an organization’s security. Unlike a vulnerability assessment, which only identifies weaknesses, pentesters attempt to exploit them to demonstrate the potential impact of an attack.

Goals of pentesting:

Identify security flaws in systems and applications.
Test the effectiveness of existing security measures.
Improve the organization’s ability to detect and respond to cyberattacks.

Types of Penetration Testing

Pentesting is divided into different types based on what is being tested and how much information the testers have access to.

Black Box Testing

The tester has no prior knowledge of the system.
Simulates an external attacker with no insider information.
Use case: Ideal for testing how a real external threat actor might behave.

White Box Testing

The tester has full access to system documentation and source code.
Simulates an insider attack to uncover weaknesses requiring deeper system knowledge.
Use case: Suitable for in-depth code and architecture analysis to find vulnerabilities that external attackers might miss.

Gray Box Testing

The tester has limited information, such as user permissions or network insights.
A balance between Black Box and White Box testing, simulating a semi-insider threat.
Use case: Often used to simulate a compromised employee or an attacker with partial access.

Common pentesting targets:

Network pentesting: Tests network security defenses.
Web application pentesting: Assesses security of web applications.
Mobile application pentesting: Evaluates security in mobile apps.
Physical pentesting: Tests physical security, such as access to buildings or servers.

The Penetration Testing Process

Pentesting follows a structured process to ensure thorough and effective testing:

Planning and reconnaissance

Define the scope and objectives with the client.
Gather information about the target, such as DNS, IP addresses, or technologies used.

Scanning and analysis

Identify open ports, services, and potential vulnerabilities.

Exploitation

Attempt to exploit vulnerabilities to gain system access.

Data evaluation

Assess what type of data can be accessed or extracted.

Reporting and recommendations

Provide a detailed report outlining discovered vulnerabilities, how they were exploited, and suggested fixes.

Common Vulnerabilities Found in Pentesting

SQL Injection: Manipulating database queries to access sensitive data.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Injecting malicious code into web applications.
Vulnerable APIs: Poorly implemented APIs exposing sensitive data.
Weak passwords: Use of predictable or reused passwords.
Insecure configurations: Systems running with default or weak security settings.

Benefits of Penetration Testing

Identifies and fixes security weaknesses before attackers can exploit them.
Improves the organization’s overall security posture.
Helps meet compliance requirements (GDPR, PCI-DSS, DORA, NIS2).
Raises security awareness within the organization.

Challenges and Limitations

Time constraints: A pentest provides a security snapshot at a specific point in time, but continuous security efforts are recommended.
Costs: Pentesting is an investment in security and can be tailored to fit different budgets, making it accessible even for smaller businesses.
Accuracy: Automated tools are helpful, but a combination of manual testing and expert analysis ensures the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pentesting

What is the difference between pentesting and a vulnerability assessment?

Pentesting simulates attacks and attempts to exploit vulnerabilities, while a vulnerability assessment identifies and categorizes potential weaknesses.

How often should pentesting be performed?

At least once a year or after significant system or infrastructure changes.

Is penetration testing legal?

Yes, but it requires permission from the target organization and a clear agreement on the test scope.

Basic IT security for your organization

Reduce the risks of data breaches and cyberattacks on your organization by gaining basic knowledge and understanding of IT security

Contact Us

Are you interested in how pentesting can strengthen security in your company or organization? We help you understand the risks and take the steps toward more secure applications.