Many businesses ask, “Do I need a penetration test?” and the response is simple, yes. You need it.
Penetration tests are no longer a question but a necessity with today’s sophisticated cyber threats.
Installing cybersecurity isn’t enough. Learn what type of penetration test your company needs and if it does, how to go about it.
You may be asking yourself a big question before getting into the “why” of penetration testing: what is a penetration test? Please click the link to answer that question before considering whether a penetration test is necessary.
Is a penetration test necessary for my company?
Pen tests, also known as penetration tests, are designed to find vulnerabilities in your security system. By identifying and correcting weaknesses, you can prevent malicious actors from exploiting them. Is it really necessary to have one? Consider these factors when deciding whether you need a penetration test:
Personal information, financial records, or classified documents are among the sensitive data that you handle. These types of systems are often targeted by cybercriminals.
If you have strict security requirements, such as those imposed by regulatory agencies.
In the event of a breach, there may be serious consequences such as financial loss, reputational damage, business disruption, or legal liability.
If you are uncertain about the security of your system or network or have not conducted a recent security assessment. When your system is not secure, pen testing can give you peace of mind (or shake your complacency).
Ransomware attacks and exploits make the news every day — and your customers, investors, and insurers need to know that you have a strong cybersecurity strategy. In today’s risky environment, telling them you are diligent isn’t enough; you must also prove it. Penetrating is the solution to this problem. Organizations with sensitive data should utilize it to increase their confidence in their security.
Cyber insurance requires a penetration test?
Cyber insurance protects organizations from financial loss caused by cyber attacks, data breaches, and other cyber incidents. In order to qualify for coverage under many cyber insurance policies, organizations must take specific security measures. To identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in your systems and applications, your cyber insurance policy may require you to conduct a pen test.
It is wise to review the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to see if you need a penetration test. Cyber insurance policies may also specify how often and what type of testing will be conducted. To ensure that your organization is adequately covered, you should follow your policy’s requirements regarding penetration tests.
Generally, pen tests aren’t necessarily required for all cyber insurance policies, but they can be helpful in identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in your systems and applications, and may be required as a condition of coverage.
Do I need a penetration test for compliance?
Many organizations must conduct regular penetration testing to stay compliant with industry regulations. Businesses conduct penetration tests to comply with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). A detailed description of penetration tests can be found in section 11.4 of PCI DSS Requirements and Testing Procedures version 4.0. In addition, penetration testing is required under ISO/IEC 27001. And penetration test keeps organizations compliant with article 32 of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), which calls for “regularly testing, assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of technical and organizational measures for ensuring the security of the processing.”
Compliance requirements may also be specific to your industry, investors, or customers. The best way to determine your security needs is to consult with a professional.
What kind of penetration test do I need?
Many businesses don’t know and don’t ask about different pen test options. Yet, different types of tests evaluate different risks. Therefore, the type of test you need depends on a few factors. In order to understand penetration testing better, let’s look at the different types:
- During an external network penetration test, attackers attempt to access your perimeter systems through the internet. During simulation, an external actor attacks your systems from the outside trying to gain unauthorized access. Testing your front and back doors is like testing your garage door.
- Internal network penetration test: An internal test looks at risks from an attacker already inside your There are rogue employees, as well as criminals who have stolen passwords. The purpose of internal pen testing is to identify vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit in order to gain access to more information. It is possible for cybercriminals to access the CFO’s data and systems using a salesperson’s password. Before hosting a party, make sure your drawers, closets, and safes are locked.
- Penetration tests for web applications examine your web-facing applications for vulnerabilities that could compromise their integrity. For companies that offer e-commerce, client portals, or other internet-based services, this is essential.
- A wireless network penetration test assesses your wireless network’s security to find vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers to gain unauthorized access or compromise it.
It depends on your particular needs and risks what type of penetration test you need. Working with a qualified security specialist is a good idea when determining the best approach.
How often do I need a penetration test?
How often you should get pen testing depends on your data, security requirements, and rate of change within the environment. However, here are some general guidelines when asking how often you need a penetration test:
- A minimum of one external and one internal penetration test should be performed annually for most organizations. The annual checkup identifies and fixes vulnerabilities that develop over time. In order for your organization to remain secure, this cadence is a minimum requirement.
- Consider periodic penetration testing if your network or system handles sensitive data, such as financial records, classified documents, or personal information. Furthermore, suppose your network is frequently expanding. Our recommendation is to test more frequently to ensure new vulnerabilities are not introduced by the changes if this is the case.
- Systems and networks are tested continuously by some organizations. By hiring managed IT services providers that specialize in security, you can get continuous testing. Testing continuously can be costly and resource-intensive, but it can also help identify and fix vulnerabilities immediately.
Your specific needs and risk profile will determine how often you conduct penetration testing. Consequently, it is advisable to work with a cybersecurity expert to determine the appropriate frequency of testing.
What is the best place to find a penetration tester?
It is imperative that you find the right cybersecurity firm to perform your penetration test after you determine that you require one. The following methods can be used to find a reputable and qualified penetration tester:
Finding a reputable penetration tester requires referrals from trusted sources. Pen testers can be found through colleagues, industry organizations, or existing IT companies.
Many professional organizations offer directories of certified or accredited penetration testers, such as the International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology (IACSIT) and the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council).
There are two online directories that list penetration testers: the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) directory and the SANS Institute’s “Penetration Testing Consultants” list.
We offer comprehensive penetration testing services provided by certified security professionals at 365 iT SOLUTIONS. As well as partnering with excellent cybersecurity firms, we provide boutique services. Let us guide you through a quick consultation.
365 iT SOLUTIONS is a leader in the Canadian cybersecurity community. Our team includes Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) experts. Because they have combated cybercrime in the corporate world, they know how to find security holes in your system.
365 iT SOLUTIONS Penetration Testing Services
We help you prove your cybersecurity diligence, verify your protections, and gain valuable insight with our ethical hacking service.
Demonstrating your commitment to cybersecurity is essential to demonstrating your credibility to customers, investors, regulators, and insurers. We can help with that with our penetration testing services. With the help of our certified security professionals, you can gain actionable insights that can bolster your credibility.
- INTERNAL PENETRATION TESTING
- INTERNAL ETHICAL HACKING
- LATERAL CHAINED-ATTACK TESTING
- DEMONSTRATED “PROOF OF EXPLOIT”
- DETAILED FIX-ACTIONS
- PORT AND VULNERABILITY SCAN
- WEB-INTELLIGENCE SCRAPE
- RISK PRIORITIZATION
- EXECUTIVE SECURITY CONSULTATION
- FOLLOW-UP REMEDIATION VALIDATION
Our Complimentary Network and Security Assessment can put your IT to the test against other Toronto managed IT services providers.
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