Network Pentesting

Network is an integral part of every organization that does its business online. However, the interconnectivity nature of networks also means that they are vulnerable to cyberattacks. One way to ensure the security of the network is through network penetration testing. It involves simulating real-world attacks on the network to find and fix any vulnerabilities present in it. Regular network testing is very important to keep the network safe from constantly evolving cyber threats. As per Forbes, the total cost of cybercrime damages is expected to reach 10.5 trillion by the end of 2025. According to recent studies, 54% of the cyberattacks were on networks and their applications, which is expected to increase in the upcoming years. This blog is a detailed guide to network penetration testing, which will cover its importance, along with its methodology, tools, and more. As a result, you will have a brief idea of what network penetration testing is and why you should invest in it. What is Network Penetration Testing? Network penetration testing or network pentesting is a cybersecurity practice in which cybersecurity professionals simulate attacks that real hackers or malicious actors do. This helps in finding vulnerabilities and security flaws present in the network’s security defenses. Networks are very complicated, consisting of a combination of WAN, LAN, and Wi-Fi, in addition to a lot of endpoints and devices like servers, computers, mobile devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. They also contain security technologies like firewalls and intrusion prevention systems (IPS). Any of these components could have a potential vulnerability that hackers could exploit and gain unauthorized access to the network. The main purpose of network penetration testing is to check how secure the current network security is and identify security gaps before a real cyberattack occurs. How does network penetration test work? It works by: Information Gathering: First, testers collect details about the network, like IP addresses and system setups. Vulnerability Scanning: Then, they scan for security weaknesses using specialized tools. Exploitation: Next, testers attempt to exploit any found vulnerabilities to access the network. Post-Exploitation: After gaining access, they assess the impact and try to move further within the network. Reporting: Finally, they document all findings and suggest ways to improve security. Importance of Network Penetration Testing Every organization wants their network to be secure from cyber threats and network penetration testing is one of the best ways to ensure that. Here are a few points why it is important for organizations to conduct penetration testing for their networks: Identify Network Vulnerabilities Penetration testing helps identify security vulnerabilities in the network before an attacker or hacker exploits them for their gain. It also provides tips to fix the found vulnerabilities. By identifying and fixing vulnerabilities promptly, organizations can fix them before they become a security risk. Improve Overall Security Posture Network penetration testing provides valuable insights into the overall security posture of the network. It helps them identify what areas need improvement and where to make security investments. Regulatory Compliance Some industries like finance and healthcare must comply with certain regulatory standards like HIPAA and PCI DSS. These regulatory standards can be achieved with regular penetration testing. It is necessary to comply with these standards because if you do not, it could lead to financial penalties and reputation damage. Protect Sensitive Data Arguably the most important reason for organizations to implement network penetration testing is to protect themselves from data breaches. In fact, a small weakness in the network has the potential to leak sensitive data of the organization, affecting customer trust and violating various rules and regulations. Penetration testing is a helpful way to assess possible levels of security risks in the network and fix them. Minimize Financial Loss Successful cyberattacks can result in the leakage of account details while causing big financial losses for organizations. Network penetration testing helps find vulnerabilities and improves security defenses, reducing or even stopping financial damage from a cyberattack. Maintain Company Reputation Even a small case of a data breach or cyberattack on the network can damage the organization’s reputation, making customers lose trust in the business. Organizations should conduct regular network penetration testing because it shows that the organization takes network security seriously, which helps preserve its reputation. Difference Between Internal and External Network Penetration Testing There are basically two types of network penetration testing: external and internal. Internal penetration testing is focused on identifying vulnerabilities that can be exploited by internal threats like current or former employees. While external penetration testing helps in finding vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors outside like hackers. External Network Penetration Testing Internal Network Penetration Testing Identifies vulnerabilities from the viewpoint of external attackers like hackers. Identifies vulnerabilities from the viewpoint of internal attackers like employees. Mostly outsourced, resulting in a cost-effective testing process. Requires an in-house security team to conduct the tests, therefore expensive. Requires extensive planning and is done only a few times. As the security team is present in-house, less planning is required and can be done more frequently. Focuses only on external threats and is less comprehensive. More comprehensive, as an internal threat can hack the organization’s network security through both internal and external methods. Common Network Security Threats There is a range of security threats that organizations face in this interconnected digital world. Here are some of the most popular and common network security threats that can be prevented by regular network penetration testing.   Malware Malware refers to malicious or harmful software designed to damage or disrupt systems and applications. Common types of malware include viruses, ransomware, spyware, trojan horses, worms, bots, keyloggers, etc. Cyberattacks spread malware through email attachments, malicious websites, or software downloads. Phishing Phishing is a type of cyberattack where the attacker impersonates a trusted individual. In fact, they trick users into sharing sensitive information like login details or financial info. Phishing attacks can happen through email, social media, or messaging apps. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks The goal of a DDoS attack is to