What is penetration testing?

2024 03 21 · 5 min read

As malicious hackers evolve even faster, business leaders prioritise cyber resilience by conducting regular security assessments throughout their IT environment.  

A recent report on penetration testing in the US and Europe found that 92% of companies are increasing their IT security budgets, with 86% allocating additional funds specifically for penetration testing. This underscores the growing importance of penetration testing as a crucial strategy for identifying vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. But what does penetration testing entail, and why is it essential for protecting your organisation’s cyber security?  

In this blog post, our penetration tester Rimantas Milieška discusses the significance of penetration testing, covering its benefits, limitations, and more. Get a clear view of penetration testing and stay one step ahead of potential cyber threats. 

What is penetration test, and why is it important?

Penetration testing, often referred to as pentesting or ethical hacking, is a simulated cyber attack on a computer system, network, or application to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious hackers. Cyber security experts take on the role of hackers, using advanced tools to uncover vulnerabilities in the target’s computer systems. They look at everything from login systems to network setups, testing how well the system can handle different threats. By doing this, organisations learn about their weaknesses and can strengthen their defences against cyber threats. 

Think of it as hiring ‘burglars’ to break into your virtual vaults. If they succeed in breaking into the systems – it is not a failure but a chance to learn and improve. Penetration testing helps organisations patch up holes, tighten security, and stay ahead of digital adversaries. It is not just about finding flaws but building more robust defences in the face of ever-changing cyber threats. 

What are the benefits of penetration testing? 

Penetration testing is a pillar of modern cyber security, delivering advantages that bolster organisations against dynamic threats. 

With its detailed evaluations and proactive approach, penetration testing ensures organisations remain resilient, compliant, and primed to tackle emerging cyber challenges head-on. 

What are the types of penetration testing? 

Penetration testing offers a multifaceted approach to assessing an organisation’s security, covering everything from network infrastructure to social engineering tactics. The following penetration test types are common: 

Organisations can uncover vulnerabilities across attack vectors by employing various penetration testing types, ensuring a robust defence against evolving cyber threats. 

Who performs penetration tests? 

Ethical hackers, often referred to as white hat hackers or penetration testers, are skilled cyber security experts responsible for conducting penetration tests. This can include in-house security teams, external cyber security vendors, or independent security consultants. These professionals are experts in cyber security and employ hacking techniques to evaluate the security measures of organisations’ infrastructures.   

In contrast, malicious hackers, also known as black hat hackers, exploit vulnerabilities in systems without permission for personal gain or malicious intent. When it comes to penetration testing, organisations enlist ethical hackers to identify and address potential weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors. The selection of the ideal candidate to perform a penetration test depends on the specific needs and objectives of the organisation undergoing the assessment. 

What are the steps involved in a penetration test? 

In penetration testing, various key steps are followed to check the security of systems thoroughly. Below, we present the core testing phases: 

After finishing all the phases, organisations gain valuable information into their security weaknesses, helping them make informed decisions to enhance their protection against evolving cyber risks. 

How long does a penetration test typically take?  

The duration of a penetration test depends on factors such as the scope and complexity of the test, the size of the target environment, the availability of resources for testing, and any time constraints imposed by the organisation. For example, a penetration test on a small web application may take a few days to complete, while a penetration test on a large enterprise network spanning multiple locations and environments may require several weeks of testing and analysis. Here is a typical timeline:  

This structured timeline ensures thoroughness and efficiency in the penetration testing process. 

How often should penetration testing be conducted? 

The frequency of penetration testing depends on various factors, including industry regulations, changes in the IT environment, and the organisation’s risk tolerance. Generally, it is recommended to perform penetration testing regularly, typically annually, to ensure ongoing security and identify new vulnerabilities. However, organisations may need to increase the testing frequency after significant changes to the network infrastructure or applications, implementation of new security controls, or following a security incident.  

Industries subject to strict regulatory standards or handling sensitive data may require more frequent testing to maintain compliance and mitigate risks effectively. Ultimately, the frequency of penetration testing should be determined based on a comprehensive security risk assessment and the organisation’s specific security needs and objectives. 

What are the limitations of penetration testing? 

While penetration testing is an invaluable tool for evaluating cyber security measures, it is essential to acknowledge its limitations. Here are some key constraints to consider: 

Therefore, organisations should be mindful of these limitations and consider supplementary penetration testing methods to ensure comprehensive cyber security measures. 

Vulnerability scanning vs. penetration testing: what is the difference? 

Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing are distinct strategies for assessing and mitigating security risks within an organisation’s infrastructure. While vulnerability scanning focuses on identifying potential weaknesses in network devices and applications, penetration testing involves actively attempting to exploit these vulnerabilities to evaluate their actual impact. Vulnerability scanning is typically automated, facilitating easier scoping and execution, but it does not include exploiting identified vulnerabilities. Penetration testers verify the existence of vulnerabilities identified by scanners. While scanners may flag potential issues, they can sometimes produce false positives, indicating the presence of vulnerabilities that do not actually exist. 

Conversely, penetration testing demands detailed planning and execution, often encompassing physical and technical assessments, including attempts to gain unauthorised access. Both methods are essential for identifying and addressing security threats, with vulnerability scanning acting as a detective control and penetration testing providing a more thorough evaluation of security posture. 

Overall, penetration testing serves as a vital tool for enhancing cyber security resilience by uncovering vulnerabilities and empowering organisations to fortify their defences. By adopting a proactive approach to security testing and addressing identified weaknesses, organisations can stay ahead of evolving cyber threats and maintain robust protection against potential attacks. 

If you want to discuss your case, contact our cyber security team and get all the needed consultations.