How External Network Penetration Testing Protects Organizations?
As a business, you are using networks and devices extensively. But are you aware of the potential risks associated with it? In fact, the cost of cybercrimes is expected to grow by $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, with networks being the prime target. As alarming as it is, it is also a reminder to secure your networks before you become a victim. Fortunately, you can secure your networks and associated devices from security risks by conducting external network penetration testing. Penetration testing is where cybersecurity experts breach your systems with your permission to find vulnerabilities in their security. In this blog, we will explain what external network penetration testing is, its benefits, and how it is carried out. Read the entire blog if you want every detail on protecting your networks. What is External Network Penetration Testing Exactly? In external network penetration testing, cybersecurity professionals (often referred to as ethical hackers) attempt to penetrate the organization’s network from the outside. They use a variety of tools and techniques to identify vulnerabilities in the network configuration, software, or user authentication mechanisms. The main goal of external network penetration testing is to uncover potential security flaws before they can be exploited by cybercriminals. By identifying vulnerabilities, organizations can take proactive measures to strengthen their defenses and mitigate the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches. It is particularly important for organizations that have public-facing servers, for example, web servers or email servers to prioritize penetration testing. This is because, it is an important process that enhances the cybersecurity posture, protects sensitive information, and maintains the trust of customers and stakeholders. Benefits of External Network Penetration Testing Now that you know what external penetration testing is, let’s discuss why organizations should not ignore it in these conditions. Here are the benefits of conducting regular external network penetration testing: 1. Identify and Mitigate Vulnerabilities In a nutshell, external network penetration testing finds the vulnerabilities present in external-facing systems such as websites, servers, and network infrastructure systems, along with their impact severity. You can use these insights to mitigate these vulnerabilities before they are exploited by cybercriminals for unauthorized access and data breaches. 2. Enhance Overall Network Security By finding and mitigating potential vulnerabilities, you can implement targeted security measures to enhance your network defenses. These defenses may include patching software, reconfiguring network settings, or strengthening access controls. As a result, you can reduce the likelihood of cyberattacks significantly. 3. Protect Sensitive Data Data is gold for IT organizations and needs the best security. Penetration testing helps in securing sensitive information, such as customer data and intellectual property, from falling into the wrong hands. By detecting and addressing potential entry points for attackers, you can maintain the confidentiality of your data assets. 4. Meet Compliance Requirements Many industries have regulatory requirements that mandate regular security assessments (including penetration testing) to protect customer info. By conducting external network penetration tests, organizations can fulfill their compliance requirements, and thus avoid legal penalties and huge fines. 5. Maintain Trust of Customers and Shareholders Once a trust is broken, it is very difficult to get back. This is not a philosophy, but what happens with every organization. Even a small cyber attack on your network can hamper the trust that you have built among your customers and shareholders. By conducting pen tests, you can show your commitment to security and assure your customers that their information is safe with you. Showing the world your testing certificate not only maintains the trust but also helps you acquire new customers. Do you also want to secure your network from cyber threats? Choose Qualysec for the best network penetration testing and have peace of mind. We follow a hybrid process-based pentest approach that will strengthen your overall network security. Don’t wait, click below to contact us now! Talk to our Cybersecurity Expert to discuss your specific needs and how we can help your business. Schedule a Call External Network Penetration Testing Methodology Though different cybersecurity firms may take different approaches, the majority follow a similar approach. Here is the basic external network penetration testing process: 1. Information Gathering In the 1st step, the penetration testers gather as much information about the network as possible. For example, IP addresses, domain names, and network architecture. Either they get information from the client or publicly available web pages. 2. Planning In the 2nd step, the testers determine the scope of the test, including which systems and networks will be assessed. They make it clear to you which attacks they are about to conduct on your network and which vulnerabilities they will try to exploit. Additionally, they will explain the tools and techniques they are going to use. 3. Automated Vulnerability Scanning Here, the pen testers use automated scanners to find vulnerabilities present at the network’s surface level. This is a quick process to find vulnerabilities. However, since automated scanners use a specific script to operate, it might generate false positives. This means it may miss many vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. 4. Manual Penetration Testing This is where proper vulnerability testing happens. Ethical hackers or pen testers use manual techniques to penetrate your network infrastructure. They check where the weaknesses lie and what is the severity of their impact. Since it is conducted by human specialists, the accuracy is as high as possible. 5. Reporting After all the scanning and testing are completed, the penetration testing company then documents the entire process and findings. The report will include all the vulnerabilities identified, their impact level, and their remediation methods. Ever seen a real external network penetration testing report? If not, then here’s your chance. Click on the link below and download one now! Latest Penetration Testing Report Download 6. Remediation The penetration testing report will include the remediation methods to fix the vulnerabilities detected. Additionally, if your development team needs any kind of assistance while fixing them, the cybersecurity firm may help them online or over consultation calls.
