Stop Cyber Attacks with Pen Testing Now

Cyberattacks are rife on a regular basis.Any company, large or small, is at risk. This is why it is imperative to start taking action right immediately. One of the most effective ways to protect your business is by making use of penetration testing which is also known as pen-testing.

What Is Pen Testing?

Penetration testing is the Pen testing process where security experts, also known as known as ethical hackers, attempt to hack into the systems of your organization in a secure and legal manner. You grant them access to your website, network or programs as hackers would. The goal is to discover vulnerabilities in your security, so you can address these before hackers get access to your network.

It's like paying someone to try and pick your locks in order to determine which locks are easiest to pick, and then assist you in to lock those locks.

Why Cyber Attacks Are Such a Big Deal

Cyberattacks can cost businesses lots of dollars. In 2023, price of the average data breach was in excess of 4 million dollars. This isn't including the damage on your name, the loss of customers, or legal issues.

Hackers become smarter each day. They don't only look for obvious security flaws. They employ sly methods such as fraudulent websites, phishing emails or hidden flaws in the application. It is essential to be prepared for these threats.

How Pen Testing Avoids Attacks

Pen testing can help you identify and correct issues before hackers exploit the vulnerabilities. Here's how:

Find Real Security Flaws

Pen testers employ the exact same tools and techniques that hackers use. They don't rely solely on machines to identify issues, but they do it all by hand. This lets them identify crucial issues that are missed by automated scans.

Test How Your Team Responds

If pen testers attempt to attack they can also observe how your security personnel react. Are they able to recognize the threat? Are they able to stop the attack before it causes even more harm? This tells you how efficient your security team is, and what areas they could benefit from additional training.

Fix the Most Urgent Issues First

Some are more difficult than others. A test with a pen will tell you what issues to focus on first so that you can address those issues first, saving both time and money.

Make sure you are in compliance with the law and Rules

Many industries have rules which require regular pen tests. If you handle healthcare information, payment systems or customer data it is likely that you must prove that your security measures are in place. Pen testing can ensure you are in compliance with these laws and will not have to pay fines.

Train Your People Better

Sometimes, the most significant security threat isn't actually the software, but rather the users who use it. Pen testing may reveal how your staff members are received phishing-related messages or are using bad passwords. This can be an opportunity to increase your security awareness and establish a stronger security culture.

Types of Pen Testing

There are various types of systems that require various types of testing. The most common types are:

Network Testing Tests your firewalls, servers and other devices to determine how hackers could gain access.

Web Application Testing - Scans web pages and applications for holes and bugs.

Wireless Testing Tests your Wi-Fi connection to see if you could piggyback.

Social Engineering - Tries to fool your employees by using fake email or calls.

Physical Testing - Attempts at breaking into the home or office.

When Do You Perform a Pen Test?

It is recommended to take an annual pen test every year at a minimum to ensure that your defenses are adequate. However, there are instances where you'll require it such as:

After installing a brand new app or site, you will need to update the

• Moving systems to the cloud

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• After a data breach, or cyber attack

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• Prior to a major audit or testing for compliance

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• This keeps your defenses in top shape by checking it on a regular basis.

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• Pen Testing Is Not a One-Time Job

Many people believe that pen testing is only a one-time event. This isn't the case. Hackers are always seeking new methods and techniques and your systems are able to change as time passes. This is why you should be sure to test frequently and constantly improve your security.

Pen testing is an annual health check of your system. Similar to how you visit your doctor regularly to remain fit, your system needs regularly scanned to ensure your security.

Choose the Appropriate Pen Testing Team

Be sure to hire skilled professionals. Choose experienced testers who have qualifications such as OSCP, CEH, or CISSP. Check that they are following the established procedures, like OWASP as well as NIST standards. A reputable pen tester should give you a concise description of the issues he observed and how he came to it, and the best way to correct the issues.

Final Thoughts

Cyberattacks are on the rise and getting more frequent. Doing nothing until you have been compromised is not a good idea. Testing for penetration reveals issues before they escalate into catastrophes. This helps you be prepared to safeguard your data and your funds, as well as your reputation.

Do not wait for a hacker to find out areas of weakness in your system. Make sure you are in control. Start testing your pen today, and stop cyber attacks before they take place.