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A Step-by-Step Guide to Penetration Testing Types and Processes

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Posted on Oct 28, 2024
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A Step-by-Step Guide to Penetration Testing Types and Processes

Cybersecurity has become even more significant and required than it used to be. Today, hackers use cutting-edge methods to find loopholes in security systems. Accordingly, they find ways to get closer to your crucial data to make massive breaches to benefit from it. 


That’s where advanced penetration testing services come in. Protecting your company’s data against various problems and hazards is game-changing. 


So, today, we will read about the different types of penetration testing and what they bring to your business. We will also mention why our vulnerability assessment services are worth considering if you want to make your company setup extraordinary without weaknesses.

What is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing is a security testing of the software to find and exploit vulnerabilities in a computer system and is mostly done by a cybersecurity expert. Pen testing is also commonly referred to as ethical hacking. It finds potential weak spots that malevolent hackers could exploit and simulates actual attacks on a system, application, or network. 


The purpose is simple: to find the loopholes in the system before the attackers could reach. Penetration testing takes one step further by exploiting such holes to ascertain the severity of each vulnerability. It is different from Vulnerability Assessment Services as it concentrates more on finding potential weaknesses in a system. It ensures that the most critical vulnerabilities are fixed by helping organizations decide which problems to address first.


5 Types of Penetration Testing Services 

Here are different types of pen testing you should consider for a specific need-


Web Application Pen Testing


Web application pen testing evaluates the security of programs that run online. Cloud services and web apps have become even more popular, so the significance of such pen-testing services is game-changing. This testing is crucial for identifying security vulnerabilities and broken authentication systems. By simulating attacks on a web application, pen testers can help organizations find vulnerabilities. They can locate aspects that allow hackers to access user data or take control of an application.


Social Engineering Penetration Testing


Social engineering testing assesses a company's vulnerability to human-based attacks like phishing attacks, pretexting, or other manipulative techniques. The goal is determining whether employees will divulge private information or permit unwanted access. It is one of the best methods for hackers to obtain sensitive information. Businesses may enhance cybersecurity awareness and training initiatives by evaluating how staff members react to these mock attacks.


Network Penetration Testing


Network pen testing evaluates your company's network infrastructure security. Any vulnerabilities that can provide unauthorized access to the network are the goal of this testing. Switches, routers, firewalls, and other networking equipment may need to be tested. It finds possible security flaws in the perimeter defenses of a company. In a sophisticated way, network pen testing services might be exceptional for your company.


Physical Penetration Testing


Physical pen testing aims to assess an organization's physical security. To enter sensitive places, penetration testers try to fool physical security measures, such as locks, alarms, and surveillance systems. Through this testing, organizations can find gaps in their physical security procedures and reduce the possibility of unwanted physical access.


Wireless Penetration Testing


Evaluating the security of a company's wireless networks is critical. It required wireless access point setup and spotting possible flaws in encryption techniques. It also locates rogue access points an attacker might employ to eavesdrop on network traffic. Wireless networks offer a potential gateway into an organization's more extensive network, so cyber criminals frequently target them. Businesses can make sure their wireless infrastructure is safe from assaults by carrying out wireless penetration tests.

Pen Testing Process You Should Understand


Pen testing, or penetration testing, follows these five structured stages-


Planning


In the planning phase, objectives are defined, and scope, rules, and permissions are set.


Reconnaissance


It gathers information about the target through network scanning or social engineering and identifies weaknesses.


Exploitation


The exploitation phase of testing involves trying to harm the weaknesses found to access or gain control over target systems.


Post-exploitation


This stage is about the preservation of access and doing analysis. The idea is to realize the impact of the breach within the network and the potential of lateral movement.


Reporting


The reporting stage includes recording findings, recommending remediation steps, and discussing the general security posture with stakeholders. 


Each stage is imperative to increase the test effectiveness and enhance the security defenses of the target.

Wrapping Up This Here-

Penetration testing plays an advanced role in safeguarding your business from immense data breaches and associated problems. Penetration testing services have various advantages for companies of all sizes and types. So, today, we have discussed some of the top types of penetration testing and what they bring to the table. Before moving on, you must take time and understand the essence of each of these alternatives. It is imperative to make the most out of pen testing types. It will help you gauge the best possible option for your business setup. 


Aress is one of the best collaborators for Vulnerability Assessment Services. Check our web pages and social media handles for additional updates and details! We have you covered for advanced IT services and everything related to them! Contact us right away for more!

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