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penetration testing

Top 10 Penetration Testing Methodologies (Expert Guide)
Penetration Testing

Top 10 Penetration Testing Methodologies (Expert Guide)

Security has never been a more critical concern than in the present times. Cyber attacks are rising and becoming sophisticated. To safeguard information, networks, and programs, enterprises employ penetration testing — an imitation of a managed cyber attack to locate weaknesses before actual hackers do. But how precisely do penetration testers work? They use methodologies—step-by-step processes that direct the testing process. This article delves into the top 10 penetration testing methodologies, empowering security professionals with the knowledge they need to ensure their work is done correctly. What is Penetration Testing? Penetration testing (also known as pen testing) tests computer networks, web sites, or systems by mimicking an attack on them. The aim is to find security vulnerabilities that can be exploited for hacking. These can then be patched and the system hardened. A well-designed penetration test is not a speculative exercise. It is a planned, structured, and systematic process that employs tried-and-tested techniques to ensure thoroughness and effectiveness. Why Use Penetration Testing Methodologies? Pen testing methodologies assist testers: The Top 10 Penetration Testing Methodologies The following are the top ten most employed techniques that penetration testers utilize today. 1. OWASP Testing Guide The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Testing Guide is the de facto web application testing standard. Key features: Why it’s popular: It’s free, comprehensive, and updated frequently by an international community. It assists testers in identifying web environment-specific flaws. 2. NIST SP 800-115 The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-115 is a general guide to information security testing. Key features: Why it’s popular: It’s a uniform, reliable process used extensively by the U.S. government and business agencies to fulfill compliance requirements. 3. PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard) Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) is a comprehensive framework that addresses every step of a penetration test. Key features: Why it’s popular: PTES is easy and comprehensive, easy for testers to conduct, and easy for customers to understand the results.   Talk to Our Cybersecurity Experts to see how we help you to enhance security standards.   Talk to our Cybersecurity Expert to discuss your specific needs and how we can help your business. Schedule a Call 4. OSSTMM (Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual) Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual (OSSTMM) is a scientifically biased security testing and analysis methodology. Key features: Why it’s popular: It’s considered rigorous and used by organizations that want to have proper, data-driven testing. 5. ISSAF (Information Systems Security Assessment Framework) ISSAF sets standards for security assessments and penetration testing. Key features: Why it’s popular It’s comprehensive and appropriate for auditors and security professionals seeking an in-depth framework. 6. CREST Penetration Testing Methodology CREST is an accrediting organization that offers penetration testing guidance. Key features: Why it’s popular: CREST certification is highly regarded worldwide, guaranteeing capable testers and reliable results. 7. PCI DSS Penetration Testing Guidance Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) mandates penetration testing for businesses that handle credit card information. Key features: Why it’s so popular: It’s mandatory for businesses that accept credit cards, making them compliant and secure. 8. ISSAF Social Engineering Methodology Social engineering is critical to penetration testing because most attackers focus on human vulnerabilities. Key features: Why it’s popular:  Social engineering targets the human side of security, which is most often the weakest link. 9. Red Teaming Methodology Red teaming is an extensive, multi-faceted simulation of a real-world attack. Key features: Why is it so popular? It provides a realistic picture of an organization’s incident response and security posture. 10. Vulnerability Scanning and Automated Tools Methodology While not an entire pen testing strategy, automated vulnerability scanning is an essential part of most methodologies. Key features: Why is it so favoured? It speeds up initial findings and avoids any simple problems from being missed. How These Methodologies Interact Penetration testing is not usually one technique. Testers mix techniques based on project scope and objectives. For instance: What to Put in a Penetration Test Report Irrespective of penetration testing methodology, a good penetration test report should include: Clear communication helps organizations understand risks and act. Download our Sample Penetration Testing Report to learn how we report and mitigate vulnerabilities. Latest Penetration Testing Report Download Conclusion Penetration testing is an essential component of any security program. A good methodology assures that testing is extensive, ethical, and beneficial. The below top 10 penetration testing methodologies are the best available for professionals across the globe. As a security professional, the responsibility of selecting the best technique for your system type, compliance requirements, and test objectives lies with you. Whether you’re testing a web application, network, or human factor, these methods will help you identify and remediate vulnerabilities before anyone else. Shelling out money for quality penetration testing today translates into tougher defenses tomorrow.  

Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pentesting Vendor
Penetration Testing

Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pentesting Vendor

As our world becomes more connected and digital, cyber threats are evolving just as fast, if not faster. Organizations, irrespective of their size or sector, remain perpetually vulnerable to data breaches, system intrusions, and ransomware attacks. This has prompted penetration testing (pentesting) to become a necessary part of a strong cybersecurity plan. A skilled pentesting vendor can spot and fix security weaknesses long before attackers get a chance to exploit them. But here’s the catch – the effectiveness of the test depends entirely on who’s doing it. Choosing the right vendor isn’t just a technical decision; it can be the difference between staying secure and facing a costly breach.   This blog provides you with the best questions to ask before hiring a pentesting vendor. We will also highlight Qualysec, a well-known brand in the cybersecurity industry, as the best Process-Based Penetration Testing Company. So, you will have an idea of what an efficient and professional vendor is like. Latest Penetration Testing Report Download 1. What Experience and Expertise Do You Bring to the Table? Before hiring a pentesting vendor, it’s imperative to analyze their technical depth and experience. Security is not universal. A pentesting vendor skilled in testing fintech apps may lack similar know-how when dealing with healthcare systems. Ask: How long have you been doing pentests? Do you possess experience in our sector or dealing with comparable apps? Can you provide success stories or case studies? Pro tip: Hire vendors such as Qualysec, who have domain-specific knowledge and experience working with multiple platforms, industries, and technologies. Their technical infrastructure and compliance expertise guarantee more detailed and actionable testing. 2. Are You Following Hybrid or Process-Based Penetration Testing? The approach counts. Most vendors are still using outdated or too traditional testing models. You require a vendor that takes a hybrid methodology – integrating automated tools and manual testing methods under a formal process. But there are vendors like QualySec that follow a unique, self-created methodology, known as process-based penetration testing. We have created different processes for different technologies, which we keep updating with time. We have a data-driven methodology, which involves deep scanning against all the vulnerabilities listed in our database.   Apart from processes, we also check for weak points in the application, network, or device of clients through both manual testing and automated testing using the most reliable tools. This way, our team leaves zero scope of leaving any loophole left behind.  3. What Types of Penetration Testing Services Do You Offer? Not еvеry pеntеsting sеrvicе is thе samе. Somе providеrs dеlivеr pеntеsting as only specialization among a widе rangе of sеrvicеs, which can еnsurе focus and еxpеrtisе. Idеally, sеlеct a providеr spеcializing еntirеly in pеnеtration tеsting and vulnеrability assеssmеnt. Thеir nichе focus guarantееs thеy’rе always ahead of thе latеst attack vеctors, еxploits, and dеfеnsеs.  Qualysec, for instance, provides specialized penetration testing services on: Web applications Mobile apps APIs Cloud infrastructure Network layers This specialized emphasis results in more thorough and productive evaluations. 4. What Testing Methodologies Do You Follow? High-end vendors do not depend on one methodology. Rather, they merge several industry standards to provide multi-layered and comprehensive penetration testing. Inquire if the vendor adheres to standards such as: OWASP Top 10 SANS 25 OSSTMM (Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual) PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard) A combination of methodologies helps vulnerabilities get found from various ways and nothing is left behind. Qualysec is unique by utilizing a blend of OWASP, SANS, OSSTMM, and PTES for complete-spectrum security coverage. 5. How Is Scope Defined, and What Are the Rules of Engagement? Setting the scope and determining the rules of engagement is an essential step before testing. The vendor should consult with you intensively to set: Testing limits Assets to be tested Type of testing (black box, grey box, white box) Timetables Communication protocols Daily reporting, straightforward expectations, and risk management practices must be included in the engagement. Qualysec maintains an open and cooperative onboarding process, establishing scope, objectives, and communications before any test is started. 6. Can You Provide a Sample Report? A pentest is only as good as report. Your report is your roadmap for remediation of vulnerabilities, so it must be: Comprehensive and detailed Readable for technical and non-technical stakeholders Actionable A good report will have: Vulnerability name Description and effect Severity rating Steps to replicate Screenshots Remediation recommendations CWE and OWASP mapping References Qualysec’s reports are in-depth, visually marked up, and compliance-ready so that development teams can jump straight into remediation. 7. Is Multiple Retesting Included After Fixes Are Applied? Fixing vulnerabilities is one step – you must retest to ensure patches are effective and didn’t introduce new problems. You can request the vendor: How many retests are included? Is there a time limit to complete retests? What happens if new issues are encountered during retesting? Providers such as Qualysec provide several and even unlimited retest options, based on the plan. The Enterprise and Business plans provide retest over a longer period, giving peace of mind when teams roll out fixes. 8. Who Conducts the Testing – In-House Experts or Outsourced Teams? Outsourcing risks compromising quality and confidentiality. You prefer a vendor that employs in-house security experts who are trained, screened, and regularly updated on current threats and methods. Ask: Do you еmploy in-housе еxpеrts or third-party contractors? Arе your tеstеrs cеrtifiеd (е.g, OSCP, CEH, CISSP)? What is thе avеragе еxpеriеncе lеvеl of your tеsting tеam? Qualysеc conducts all tеsting in-housе, with a staff of cеrtifiеd еthical hackеrs who havе еxtеnsivе domain knowlеdgе and еxpеriеncе working in sеvеral industriеs.  9. What Tools and Techniques Do You Use? The top vendors implement manual testing skills with automated tools. Automated tools alone cannot detect everything, particularly business logic defects or multi-step attacks. Seek vendors who use a mix of commercial and open-source tools like: Burp Suite Pro Netsparker SQLMap Metasploit Nessus Nmap Nuclei Kali Linux toolsets Qualysec chooses tools by asset, functionality, and technology stack, with detailed analysis in each test. 10. How Transparent

Threat-led Penetration Testing and Its Role in DORA Compliance
Penetration Testing

Threat-led Penetration Testing and Its Role in DORA Compliance

Financial institutions and suppliers of vital infrastructure are facing increasing pressure to strengthen their cyber resilience in the face of growing cyberattacks. In the European Union, where the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) has become a cornerstone of financial cybersecurity, the regulatory landscape is also becoming more stringent. The use of Threat-led Penetration Testing (TLPT) is arguably the most crucial component of achieving and maintaining DORA compliance. Today, Qualysec Technologies will explain Threat-led Penetration Testing (TLPT), its importance in the current cyber era, and how it is central to DORA compliance. We will also go over how companies can strategically use TLPT to improve security posture and meet regulatory requirements. What is Threat-led Penetration Testing? Threat-led Penetration Testing is a type of thorough security testing that replicates tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) of cyber adversaries. Unlike regular penetration testing, which often follows a checklist or scope, Threat-led Penetration Testing is based on intelligence and tailored to the threat universe and risk profile of the organization. The goal of Threat-led Penetration Testing is to imitate an authentic cyberattack so your organization can evaluate the detection, response, and recovery capabilities of an advanced persistent threat (APT). In truth, Threat-led Penetration Testing is not only a technical exercise but a test of your organization’s resilience. This type of testing can also be known as: The Importance of Threat-led Penetration Testing in Cybersecurity In a world with rapidly evolving digital threats, organizations are now faced with a continuum of threats to their security that is becoming more complex. In response to this growing problem, traditional security assessments have become ineffective against advanced, persistent threats. Threat-led penetration testing has undoubtedly become another key part of the solution. Here are the three reasons why it is important in cybersecurity programs – Simulates Real-World Threat Scenarios Identifies Critical Weaknesses Before They Are Exploited Improves Incident Response Readiness Aligns Cybersecurity with Business Risk Strengthens Regulatory Compliance Protects Brand Reputation and Customer Trust Enhances Teamwork and Collaboration Assists Continuous Improvement Latest Penetration Testing Report Download Threat-led Penetration Testing Frameworks within DORA Organizations preparing for DORA compliance are expected to adopt these frameworks or align their TLPT with these frameworks. DORA doesn’t set up a new TLPT framework from scratch. Instead, it draws on the existing frameworks, such as – CBEST (UK) – This framework has been established by the Bank of England and represents a combination of threat intelligence and continuous penetration testing for testing the resilience of financial services. TIBER-EU (EU-Wide) – Threat Intelligence-based Ethical Red Teaming (TIBER-EU) is a well-known TLPT framework in the EU and a de facto framework for TLPT under DORA. iCAST (Asia) – Developed by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, it is representative of TLPT principles for Asia and is similar in scope to TIBER-EU and CBEST. Key Phases of Threat-led Penetration Testing Threat-led Penetration Testing is conducted effective methodology, statistically aligned with capture, basic agreements, and accountable frameworks like TIBER-EU (Threat Intelligence – Based Ethical Red Teaming) or CBEST, and every part of the methodology is methodically structured to test a real cyberattack scenario. Hence, it is a reflection of an organization’s known and unknown security posture. Scoping & Planning Defines the goals, boundaries, and regulatory agreement for the test. Defines the systems, people and processes (known as the “critical functions”) that will be tested. All key stakeholders are aligned, including the legal and compliance teams. Defines how broadly and deeply we are going to take the pen test. Threat Intelligence Gathering Identify the real-world cyber threats against that organization using threat intelligence. Profile the likely adversary, including their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Use the intelligence collected from OSINT, web, and closed sources. This step is extremely important as it allows the pen test to reflect a current threat landscape. Developing Threat Scenarios Develop threat scenarios based on the intelligence gathered from the previous step. Simulate threat scenarios based on specific attack paths, realistic threat actors may take. Depending on the threat scenario, this could include social engineering, lateral movement, privilege escalation, and exfiltration of data. Ensure that all scenarios are approved and validated to ensure they are relevant and comply with set regulatory boundaries. Red Team Engagement A red team simulates an attack without the knowledge of the organization, effectively mimicking a real attacker. Targets are systems, applications, networks, and humans where exploitable vulnerabilities may arise. In brief, a red team might conduct phishing, network security events, and attempts to bypass physical security. Typically, during an attack against an organization, the blue team (the defenders) will not know about the test so that genuine response capability can be gauged. Detection & Response Review Will assess the organization’s ability to detect, respond to, and contain a simulated attack.  Will examine monitoring capabilities, the incident response actions taken, and the communication flow during the attack. It will identify “gaps” in organizational visibility, response time to mitigate a threat, coordination, and decision-making during the threat. Reporting & Remediation The report will detail the information found on noting: Paths of attack Exploitable vulnerabilities Gap in the security posture Detection logs Timeline of events and actions taken. The report will contain recommendations for remediation that identify actionable steps, based on criticality and business risk implications. The red team engagement should provide valuable information to enable an organization to strengthen its security posture, based on real test experiences. Validation & re-testing Once reasonable remediation has occurred, the organization should follow up. This is important to check if the measures were effective and if previously exploited vulnerabilities have been successfully mitigated. The organization will be afforded an opportunity for continuous improvements and future preparedness. TLPT vs Traditional Penetration Testing Feature Traditional Pen Testing Threat-led Penetration Testing Scope Predefined, general Intelligence-led, adaptive Method Checklists, tools Adversary simulation Target Technical vulnerabilities End-to-end security posture Frequency Annual/Biannual Risk-based, strategic Compliance Fit Generic standards Regulatory-grade (e.g., DORA, TIBER-EU) How Qualysec Helps You Achieve TLPT and DORA Compliance At Qualysec Technologies, we focus on assisting financial services and critical infrastructure organizations

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Pabitra Kumar Sahoo

Pabitra Kumar Sahoo

COO & Cybersecurity Expert

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Pabitra Kumar Sahoo

Pabitra Kumar Sahoo

COO & Cybersecurity Expert