How To Perform A Successful Network Penetration Test?

Network Penetration Testing

In today’s world, the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks are continuously increasing, which makes the security optimization of networks mandatory for businesses.

In the face of rising cybercrimes Network penetration testing has emerged as one of the most efficient yet effective options to evaluate the security of networks.

In recent times, huge numbers of businesses are opting for network penetration testing as their primary approach to validate network security.

A report says that the global network pentesting market is set to grow at a CAGR of 13.7% to reach a value of $2.7 billion by the conclusion of 2027.

What Is Network Penetration Testing?

Network penetration testing is a tactical approach to stimulating different kinds of cyberattacks on a business’ systems to mark out or identify the shortcomings that could cause significant cybersecurity hazards. It helps organizations to fix their IT infrastructure’s loopholes.

What Are The Benefits Of Network Penetration Testing?

Network penetration testing is a methodological process or practice utilized to test a network, system, or even a web-based application to find out hidden flaws. This testing practice offers several benefits, like-

  • Identifying Vulnerabilities- Network penetration testing enables businesses to detect hidden weak spots in their existing infrastructure. This proactive identification of the gaps empowers them to implement necessary changes to prevent cyber criminals from mishandling the whole system.
  • Testing Security Controls- Conducting pentesting allows businesses to assess the efficacy of present security protocols, including firewalls, prevention systems, antivirus software, and intrusion detection. This can be instrumental for businesses, by finding out the loopholes in security posture and assisting them to take necessary actions to improve.
  • Compliance- Network pentesting is made compulsory for multiple industries through laws and regulations. For instance, as per PCI DSS, organizations involved in operating or processing credit card payments must conduct regular network pentesting. With pentesting, businesses can efficiently demonstrate compliance with all relevant standards.
  • Prioritizing Security-Related Investments- Network pentesting allows organizations to mark out the most critical gaps in their present IT setup. This in turn enables businesses in prioritizing security-related investments and executing resources accordingly.
  • Optimizing Incident Response- Pentesting also helps organizations to optimize their incident response plans by putting them in tests to check how they fare against a simulated attack.

How To Perform A Successful Network Penetration Test?

All the above-mentioned benefits can only be achieved when a business performs successful network penetration testing. There are a few steps a business can follow to make its network penetration testing successful-

  • Define The Scope & Goals- There is no alternative to having a well-defined plan and list of goals before conducting the test. A business needs to determine the objectives of network pentesting along with deciding the particular systems, software, and networks to be tested. The organization is also required to decide which vulnerabilities will be on major focus during the test.
  • Collect Information- Perform reconnaissance to gather data regarding the target, as network topology, OS, and software are currently in use. These data can be used in marking out the attack vectors and gaps in the infrastructure.
  • Identify Vulnerabilities- An effective approach is to utilize a combination of automated tools and manual tactics to mark out gaps in the target infrastructure. This step also includes looking for misconfigurations and other vulnerabilities like unpatched software that are sensitive to exploitation and may offer unauthorized access. The ideal approach is to prioritize the found vulnerabilities based on their criticality and exploitability.
  • Exploitation- After marking out the hidden flaws the tester is tasked to attempt and exploit them and achieve unauthorized access to the network. This step may also include the utilization of automated tools or manual strategies to perform attacks like SQL injection or brute-force attacks.
  • Post-Exploitation- Once the gaps are found and utilized to gain access the tester needs to leverage the privileges, manage access, and gather data from the network. This step also includes tasks like cracking passwords, data exportation, and more.
  • Reporting- Once the network pentesting is completely done, the tester must record the findings and outcomes in a document. He needs to record all the marked-out flaws and recommendations for recovery or remediation. This document or report must be clear and concise along with a thorough explanation of the faults found and the recommendations to fix those.
  • Remediation- The final step for a successful network pentesting is collaborating with the organization to address the gaps and faults discovered in the network. This step may include patching software, updating system settings, and enforcing new security parameters to boost the security strength of the organization’s infrastructure.

Popular On-Going Trends In Network Penetration Testing

  • Cloud Security- With the recent surge in cloud adoption, businesses are depending heavily on cloud-based apps and infrastructures. Due to this, the need for pentesting of cloud-based apps and systems to mark out potential security risks is growing.
  • IoT Security- The expansion of IoT devices has paved the way for new challenges for cybersecurity experts. This surge in this IoT device utilization has made the penetration testing of the mentioned devices an increasingly important aspect.
  • Red Teaming- Red teaming is referred to the practice of stimulating real-world attacks on a network or system. This ongoing trend includes the utilization of TTPs or “Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures” similar to real cybercriminals. Red teaming helps businesses find the gaps in their existing security posture that may stay undiscovered with traditional testing practices.
  • Automation- Automation is becoming an increasingly popular part of network pentesting. By utilizing the new-gen tools and scripts the tester automates the testing process. It helps in reducing the time and human involvement required in the process of penetration testing.
  • Mobile App Testing- As smartphones are the most used smart devices around the world they are becoming a popular target of cybercriminals. The mobile application testing is to verify security vulnerabilities, like poor authentication, unsafe communication, and unprotected firmware.

Steps To Select The Best Team For Network Penetration Testing

Even after following all the above-mentioned steps businesses can face failure in network penetration testing because of not hiring the right testing team. Here are free steps to help you hire the right team for your business’ network penetration testing-

  • Determine The Scope & Objective- Before hiring a network penetration testing team, you must set both the scope and goals of the process. With preplanned scopes and goals, you will have clarity about the necessary competencies.
  • Hire Certified Professionals- Always hire certified network, pentesting professionals. It indicates that the experts have the required wealth of knowledge and expertise to conduct the test successfully.
  • Check For Reputation- Don’t just chase the certified professionals make sure you are hiring a network penetration team with a good reputation. Go through the network penetration testing service provider’s website reviews and testimonials.
  • Check For Compliance- It is highly important that you hire a team that follows industry standards and regulations like PTES, OWASP, and PCI DSS.

The Final Words

In the end, it can be said that network penetration testing is a significant step to optimize the security of a business network in this digital era.

By performing a network penetration test businesses increase their cybersecurity standards. But to achieve enhanced cybersecurity a successful penetration test is required.

For successful penetration testing it is important to ensure you are hiring the right team and following the best practices.

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