vapt cyber security Archives

What Is VAPT In Cyber Security?

Chinmay Choudhary / June 5, 2025

In latе 2019, U.S. govеrnmеnt agеnciеs facеd onе of thе most sophisticatеd cybеrattacks in history whеn Russian intеlligеncе dеployеd a Trojan virus through a third-party nеtwork managеmеnt solution. Thе attackеrs еxploitеd unvеrifiеd softwarе, gaining briеf rеmotе accеss to sеnsitivе data, highlighting thе dangеrs of unchеckеd digital vulnеrabilitiеs. Whilе largе-scalе brеachеs likе this arе rarе, sеcurity incidеnts happеn еvеry day. This is whеrе VAPT (Vulnеrability Assеssmеnt and Pеnеtration Tеsting) plays a crucial rolе. Implеmеnting VAPT is a smart, proactivе stratеgy to idеntify and fix potеntial wеaknеssеs—hеlping protеct your businеss from bеcoming anothеr data brеach statistic. Let’s examine what VAPT implies in the framework of cybersecurity, its fundamental ideas, benefits, and beginner tips. What is VAPT? Using a variety of tools or approaches, vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT) in cybersecurity is a technique used to find and evaluate security vulnerabilities throughout systems and programs. Offering a holistic approach to enhance the general security posture, VAPT is an umbrella term linking two elements of security: detection (vulnerability assessment) and defense (penetration testing). At a glance, types of VAPT‘s tenets are as follows: Cybersecurity has three approaches (principles) to VAPT. Let’s rapidly get these: White box testing The test has a complete understanding of how the system’s components—source code, documents, inner structures, workflow—perform. This lets testers construct a granular analysis based on the results and perform tests considerably more swiftly. Black box testing The tester in this case is completely unaware of the features, codes, design, and architecture. The aim is to simulate actual malicious attacks; the tester creates an infiltration and evaluates the system’s reactions. Gray box testing Gray box testing provides some information to the tester about the application, so a balance must be struck between the two. The theory is to find errors caused by a wrong setup. Want to improve your network defenses? Get an External Network VAPT Report and learn important findings. Read more about White box pentesting, Black box pentesting and Gray box pentesting. Why is VAPT essential, and what are its benefits? VAPT helps IT teams spot vulnerabilities in current and new networks, apps, and assets. Usually carried out before new releases/products that are accessible for use at scale are sent out, this exercise helps to determine if they are ready. Malicious players seek loopholes to attack IT systems and compromise their confidentiality and integrity. Every day, new defense systems are introduced to counter constantly changing threats. Cybercriminals become adept at circumventing traditional VAPT guidelines and finding the latest ways to access protected systems as cyber defenses become more advanced. Your team has to remain ahead in the game by using future-first VAPT solutions to prevail against harmful cyber criminals. VAPT in cyber security is no longer merely to keep Cybercriminals away. Alarmed by the staggering number of incidents all around, legislative systems and laws have added several security-related requirements; VAPT is one of them. PCI DSS stipulates a need to regularly conduct VAPT and show a security posture, including technical measures based on the results of the VAPT study. One of the best habits is to fix gaps as discovered instead of acting afterward. Proactively correcting hazards in your product with VAPT assessment helps you avoid having to handle them after a breach attempt. An IBM research reveals that many companies learned this the hard way since 57% of them had to raise their service cost to make up for the damage brought by a data breach. Types of Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing A general phrase with several applications throughout your IT environment, Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing is among the most often included assets in the scope of a VAPT instance: 1. Network pen testing Network pen testing offers knowledge about the security vulnerabilities of your company’s network and related systems, including routers, firewalls, DNS, etc. Searching the network for flaws reveals deficits, including firewall strength, compliance needs, and security concerns in confidential information. 2. Mobile application pen testing Mobile application pen testing finds weaknesses and flaws in native, hybrid, and progressive web applications. A good pen test exposes problems, including misconfigured platform security mechanisms, unsafe data storage, weak authentication methods, low code quality, reverse engineering, and much more. 3. API pen testing One helps to check if an application programming interface can resist a variety of attacks. Common API security testing look for shortcomings, such as excessive data exposure, security misconfiguration, inadequate asset management, inadequate monitoring, and SQL injections, can be addressed. 4. Cloud pen testing Cloud penetration testing assesses the shortcomings of the components in your cloud infrastructure, including system settings, encryption, passwords, databases, and more. The Cloud service providers like Microsoft Azure and AWS offer policies allowing their clients to undertake security evaluations. 5. Web application pen testing Web application pen tests assist would-be evaluators in assessing the overall posture of your databases, backend code bases, etc. Security teams can address other issues, from cross-site scripting, SQL injections, file uploads, unauthenticated access, caching server attacks, etc. Download our Sample Penetration Testing Report to understand how vulnerabilities are reported and mitigated. Latest Penetration Testing Report Download How to get started with VAPT? You can begin VAPT both internally and externally. VAPT can be run internally by an internal resource from your organization, and the overall business environment will be scanned for the associated VAPT security weaknesses. External vulnerability scans will be provided by a contractor organization that specializes in vulnerability penetration testing of secured systems. The way VAPT runs stays the same in either case. The VAPT process has a variety of steps to follow, and each is described here: Define pre-test strategies Prior to beginning your VAPT instance, it is a good practice to define the different details of the instance and assign business process owners to those details. The details are: Who is responsible for what? What operating system will you use? What type of testing (black/gray/white box) is provided for you? Do you fully understand the expectations of the client

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Top 10 VAPT Testing Companies in San Francisco, 2025

Chinmay Choudhary / February 1, 2025

Keeping track of the growing cyber threats is an important focus for companies toward securing their system, data, and applications in the aftermath of Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT). Cybercriminals do not throw away time; they exploit it. Such exploitations lead to financial loss and data breaches, followed by non-compliance with the norms. Thus, organizations need professional VAPT testing companies in San Francisco to identify vulnerabilities, simulate realistic cyberattacks, and provide remedial measures. San Francisco is the world’s greatest tech hub which has some of the most innovative companies dealing with penetration testing, vulnerability management, and security compliance solutions. Most of them deal with the finance, health care, SaaS, and government sectors as they keep up to date about the latest threats. This is the top 10 list of VAPT testing companies in San Francisco ranked on their expertise, innovation, and dedication towards cyber resilience. Top 10 VAPT Testing Companies in San Francisco 1. Qualysec Formation: 1999 | HQ: Foster City, CA Qualysec is one of the largest VAPT assessment and compliance companies, providing the most complete and comprehensive solutions to the security of an organization’s IT environment, which aims to make their environments more secure. Its flagship solution gives automatic assessment of vulnerabilities and penetration testing plus real-time security monitoring. Key Features Characteristics that support SIEM and DevOps workflows to support remediation of vulnerabilities. Why choose Qualysec? Talk to our Cybersecurity Expert to discuss your specific needs and how we can help your business. Schedule a Call 2. Skybox Security Established: 2002 | Headquarter: San Francisco, CA Skybox Security is the top organization that provides the solution for finding vulnerabilities and giving priority to risk security. This provides the IT environment with complete forms of protection through robust risk-based vulnerability management. Key Features Detection of vulnerabilities across all networked, application, and cloud environments; risk prioritization, which involves monitoring automated compliance. The Skybox Vulnerability Control platform helps organizations actively mitigate cyber risk. Real-time visibility into the network, its configuration, as well as vulnerabilities and the attack surface. Why Skybox Security? Proactive Risk Management: This would mean identifying prospective vulnerabilities before their being exploited. Visibility and control: Most businesses have intricate infrastructures. For businesses like this, Skybox gives network, cloud, and on-premises visibility, making it important. Trusted by finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, Skybox makes sure that organizations reduce their risk exposure. 3. Cobalt Founded in: 2013 | Headquartered in: San Francisco, CA Cobalt is the newest provider of vulnerability scanning software available on-demand to continue network security expert services. Cobalt was designed to deliver continuous security testing with actionable insight in real-time toward threats. Core features PTaaS through ethical hackers using a global network Continuous penetration testing is done based on web applications, APIs, and cloud environment Attacks are scheduled in the physical world. Distinctive pricing remedy from start-up to enterprise-level. Why choose Cobalt? On-demand Penetration Testing: Customers buy tests upon their own due time through customer-friendly dashboard. A global community of penetration testers Access to the world’s most advanced white hackers that are willing to engage in the battleground of live testing. Solutions responsive to start-ups and enterprises Cobalt delivers this quick but fluid security testing in the shortest period. 4. TruAdvantage Founded: 2010 | Headquartered in: San Francisco, CA TruAdvantage Cybersecurity is a firm that provides detailed solutions in vapt scan, network security, and compliance. The company specializes in niche areas like health care and finance. It has fully assessed the risks involving all of its sensitive data and systems. Key features All-round security solution for your cyber security needs Network Security and Penetration Testing Focused areas HIPAA and PCI-DSS HIPAA and PCI-DSS healthcare and financial service security compliance expert Risk assessment and remediations customized to any client’s requirement Security Audit and Remediation: Identify the weaknesses and remediate weak security systems in place. Why Choose TruAdvantage Focused health care and financial service specializations that ensure a customized approach toward achieving or surpassing regulation compliance. We offer vulnerability scanning to compliance consulting end-to-end, best fit for business trading in a very regulated space. Partner with experts known to put customers first through customizable solutions, ensuring a balance between security and compliance 5. Parachute Technology Year of Founding: 2003| Headquarters San Francisco, CA Parachute Technology is a provider to businesses in finance and health care, among others, with excellent security assessments as well as remediation services regarding operating in network security and VAPT testing. Key Services Network Penetration Testing: This identifies the presence of vulnerabilities on both wired and wireless networks. Cloud Security Assessment: It is specifically done for the multi-cloud environment of organizations. Cybersecurity services, which range from threat hunting, vulnerability management, and incident response, provide end-to-end protection. Custom security consulting is uniquely tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. Why Choose Parachute Technology? A full-service company: Provide the entire gamut of cybersecurity services, from penetration testing to cloud security and incident response. Trusted by finance, SaaS, and government companies due to its custom solutions that have quick turnaround times. Known worldwide for exceptional customer service and being cognizant of the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. 6. Varsity Technologies Founded: 1997 | Based: San Francisco, CA Varsity Technologies is a managed IT services company offering managed cybersecurity. Some of the services they provide to education and nonprofit clients include penetration testing, security audits, and cloud security assessments. Key Points Penetration testing and network security assessment to education, health care, and non-profit organizations. IT Management for ensuring that the cybersecurity is well aligned with business-wide general strategy on IT. Risk and Vulnerability remediation with emphasis on compliance Cloud Security in business migrations to hybrid cloud environments. Why Choose Varsity Technologies? Domain-based knowledge: This service is specifically for education and non-profit industries, which will have unique compliance regulations. Managed IT services: It brings an all-rounded approach towards cyber security through IT infrastructure. Varsity Technologies is renowned for highly customized, flexible solutions to meet every business need. 7. Snap Tech IT Founded: 2007 | Headquartered in: San Francisco, CA Snap

Network VAPT

Network VAPT: The Ultimate Guide to Benefits and Process

Chinmay Choudhary / June 19, 2024

Network VAPT is a security evaluation process where experts test user networks to find vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. The main goal of network VAPT (vulnerability assessment and penetration testing) is to find security flaws in networks, systems, hosts, and network devices that hackers can use for unauthorized access and data breaches. As per research by GlobeNewswire, cybercrime costs will reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Around 43% of these cyberattacks happen on the organization’s network. With roughly 2,200 attacks every day, it is inevitable to secure the main component of the IT infrastructure – the network. Therefore, in this blog, we are going to discuss how network VAPT is the best solution to prevent attacks on the network and its components. Additionally, we will offer tips to help you choose the best network VAPT provider. What is Network VAPT? Network VAPT is conducted to identify exploitable vulnerabilities in networks and systems to help reduce or mitigate security risks. Network components like firewalls and access points are thoroughly tested to reduce the potential attack surface and prevent unauthorized access. Once the base layer of the network is protected and proper security measures are implemented, the risk of the top layers is also automatically reduced. Since every digital asset (applications and APIs) is connected to the network, a breach in its infrastructure can make everything vulnerable. Network penetration testing involves using specialized tools and techniques to discover security vulnerabilities in the network that can lead to cyberattacks. After identifying all vulnerabilities, the testing team then recommends possible solutions. As a result, organizations can quickly address them and secure their network perimeter. Benefits of Network VAPT in Cyber Security VAPT Network provides enough details on security issues for developers or security officers to address them before they cause big problems. However, this is not the only benefit. Here are a few reasons why VAPT in cyber security is important for businesses: 1. Identify Network Configuration Issues By conducting network VAPT, you can detect misconfigurations in the network architecture that could be exploited by attackers. For example, incorrect firewall measures might allow unauthorized access, or sometimes default network settings might leave it open for attacks. VAPT in networking helps identify such issues and helps strengthen the overall network security posture. 2. Detect Unauthorized Devices VAPT scans the entire network and identifies any unauthorized devices connected. This prevents malicious devices from accessing sensitive data. For example, attackers might connect an unauthorized device to the network port, which will give them access to the internal systems. 3. Check Firewall Protocols The job of a firewall is to block unauthorized access and allow legitimate traffic. Network VAPT tests the firewall’s configuration and optimizes its performance and security. VAPT includes simulating various attacks on the firewall to check if it can block them. 4. Identify Vulnerable Network Services VAPT pinpoints vulnerable services running on network devices. As a result, it helps organizations to update or disable these services to enhance network security. This is because an outdated version of a network service might have known vulnerabilities that attackers can take advantage of. 5. Strengthen Remote Access Security With the rise of remote working conditions after the pandemic, it is more essential now to test network security. VAPT also tests the security of VPNs and other remote access solutions to secure remote access. It identifies weaknesses in VPN configurations or outdated encryption protocols to ensure remote connections cannot be easily intercepted by attackers. 6. Protection Against DoS Attacks A Denial of Service (DoS) attack is when the attacker disrupts the business by flooding the network of an organization with traffic. Network VAPT in cyber security helps identify those vulnerabilities that could be exploited for DoS attacks. These vulnerabilities may include inadequate bandwidth or unoptimized network configurations. 7. Ensure Compliance Many industries make it mandatory for organizations to test the security of the networks that store sensitive user data, such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, etc. Non-compliance with these rules would result in fines and legal problems. Network VAPT helps companies comply with these regulations by thoroughly testing the network and its components. 8. Enhance Network Monitoring The VAPT report can be used to improve network monitoring and logging. Better monitoring helps in detecting and responding to security incidents early. By identifying gaps in the current monitoring measures, VAPT recommends implementing more comprehensive monitoring solutions. As a result, this ensures any unusual or suspicious activities are effectively detected and addressed. 9. Build Customer trust A secure network builds trust among the users/customers. When the users feel confident that their data is safe, it enhances their loyalty. VAPT finds those security flaws that may lead to data breaches. By showing the world you prioritize customer data safety, you are not only securing your business but attracting more customers. What are the Steps Involved in VAPT Network VAPT mostly has 3 phases – pre-assessment, assessment, and post-assessment. Here is the brief network VAPT process: 1. Information Gathering The 1st step involves the testing team collecting relevant information about the target systems, such as domain names, network architecture, IP addresses, and technologies in use. This information helps them understand the potential attack surface and entry points. 2. Planning/Scoping The next step involves defining the goals and identifying the scope of the test. Here the testing team outlines which tools and techniques will be used and which vulnerabilities they are going to target. This gives a brief idea to the client of what to expect from the test. 3. Automated Vulnerability Scanning This step includes using automated tools to scan and analyze the target network and systems for known vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. For example, weak configurations, outdated software, and other common vulnerabilities. 4. Manual Penetration Testing In the 4th step, expert pen testers or “ethical hackers” perform manual penetration testing. They use manual techniques to detect vulnerabilities missed by the tools and exploit the found vulnerabilities. The goal is to simulate real cyberattacks to understand the resilience

vapt cyber security

What Is VAPT In Cyber Security?

Top 10 VAPT Testing Companies in San Francisco, 2025

Network VAPT: The Ultimate Guide to Benefits and Process

Pabitra Kumar Sahoo

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