Penetration Testing as a Part of an Organisational Security Program

by Tashina

Organisations that need information systems infrastructure for managing data, business procedures, activities and client relationships must have robust IT security programs in place. Since they have data stored and processed through their systems, no business is safe from malicious criminals. They need to utilise a comprehensive approach for protecting their network from cyber incidents before they take place.

Regardless of who you entrust with your IT infrastructure security, one of the most important components of your security program must be penetration testing. It’s now considered a best practice to identify and make corrective actions for improving organisational security.

Why Do You We Need a Business Security Plan?

One cannot stress enough the the importance of having a proactive approach towards cyberthreats. An organisation that strives to achieve better security culture needs to create a plan emphasising speed, quick response and preventive controls.

A good security program must include a number of activities to address possible inefficiencies and vulnerabilities in the system. Intrusion prevention and vulnerability scanning tools are good, but they are not enough. You also need consistent audits and testing along with a set of enforced policies to protect your data, users and system. This is where penetration testing is of utmost importance.

Why Do We Need Penetration Testing?

In order to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of your assets, you need to hire certified penetration testing professionals for assessing potential vulnerabilities and risks associated with your organisation. Simply put, the process of scanning, testing, hacking and securing a system can combat inside or outside threats to an organisation. It simulates real-life scenarios and detects malicious or suspicious behaviour patterns. A professional pen tester is able to evaluate these risk factors. They can also review the effectiveness of your current security controls.

Penetration testing provides internal and external testing. Internal testing involves assessing from inside a corporate network. The penetration tester mimics an insider attack from a user who is authorised and has privilege to access. In external testing, the attacker will break through intrusion detection and firewalls. Hence, they are able to learn how an outsider could be able to enter and exploit the system after gaining access.

A penetration test can cover all parts of your security program. It includes policy compliance and your ability to identify and respond to incidents. It goes beyond vulnerability scanning and provides more information to organisations on their security readiness. A pen tester not only finds potential problems but also documents potential security training needs.

Penetration Testing Quote

To find out more about how you can make penetration testing a part of your organizational security program, contact Aardwolf Security and talk to one of our security experts, alternatively you can also get a quote using our online pen testing quote form.

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