Network penetration testing is an essential tool in a security professional’s arsenal. Pen testing, in general, is an acclaimed cybersecurity mechanism whereby cybersecurity teams detect weaknesses and vulnerabilities in specific networks by simulating cyber attacks - a process known as ethical hacking.
This type of security testing takes place across various applications and systems and network penetrating testing, itself, is broadly split into either internal or external network testing.
Given that networks are pivotal to the smooth functioning of just about any business, specifically in its joint functions with hardware devices for various data transfers, keeping them secure is crucial.
Penetration testing is one tried-and-tested method, so to speak, of ensuring high levels of network security. With this, businesses are not just able to understand existing weaknesses and vulnerabilities within their networks are but also identify actionable ways to beef up security.
HOW DO INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL NETWORK PEN TESTING WORK?
Internal network penetration testing focusses on an organisation’s internal network environment and is generally considered to be the more important of the two, given that internal weaknesses can wreak havoc in other areas of an organisation’s infrastructure.
Another reason why internal network penetration testing is considered more important is that a malicious agent (even an employee), can use their knowledge of the system to corrupt and attack the internal network.
External network testing, on the other hand, requires testers to uncover issues that may be plaguing a network’s external frontier, over the public internet. This type of testing would examine, for instance, how easy (or hard) it would be for a cybercriminal to gain access to a business’ network.
HOW IS THIS TYPE OF TESTING CONDUCTED?
With the aid of several tools and applications, pen testers conduct a variety of testing strategies on the internal and external frontiers of a network.
One such tool includes web applications, which may be used to extract sensitive information like passwords or even gain access to VPN. The consequences of this are, understandably, disastrous and is a reason why testers must consider all possibilities when they’re running their tests.
This arsenal generally comprises both manual and automated tools, the latter, which takes care of a bulk of the more rudimentary elements of network penetration testing. These are usually fairly advanced and allow security specialists to grade security threats based on how critical they are and review security changes across the network.
WHAT TYPES OF VULNERABILITIES DOES PEN TESTING IDENTIFY?
Among the many types of vulnerabilities and threats security professionals detect on business networks, the following are some issues that may be highlighted as a result of network penetration testing:
Human Resource Issues
Whether due to a lack of training or unavoidable human errors, security breaches can occur as a result of how users behave on business networks including coding errors, improper storage of passwords, phishing, intentional data theft, a lack of awareness about basic cybersecurity protocols and other issues.
Design And Configuration Issues
Inherent flaws in how your system is designed or configured can lead to vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit.
A Lack Of Proper Security Tools/Support
If you lack the proper cybersecurity resources, including threat scanners, cybersecurity training or risk management strategies, it may be harder for you to ensure network security. Security training is critically important because, in its absence, not even the most sophisticated tools could keep your operations safe and secure.
Reliance On Unsecured Networks
Through network pen testing, security teams may also discover that certain networks are unsafe because they’re connected to open connections that are easily accessible by cybercriminals. Connections must be vetted and secured before businesses decide to connect their networks to them.
LEVERAGE NETWORK PENETRATION TESTING SERVICES FROM EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS
If you’ve decided to go all-in and secure your networks with penetration testing, make sure you choose security experts with a deep knowledge of their trade and have experience in this field.
At Triskele Labs, our teams have serviced clients in Australia and other parts of the world. We commit to keeping your networks and operations secure with our CREST-registered penetration testing team.
