3. Cloud Penetration Testing

Cloud penetration testing examines the security of cloud-native services, configurations, cloud system passwords, cloud encryption, applications, APIs, databases, and storage access for potential vulnerabilities.

After examining, the testers provide a report. It contains the vulnerabilities detected with actionable remediation steps. Companies then use this report to improve the security measures of their cloud infrastructure.

Around 94% of companies use cloud services globally. As a result, it makes the cloud a prime target for cybercriminals. Cloud pentesting helps organizations:

• Improve overall cloud security
• Avoid data breaches
• Achieve compliance
• Better understanding of the shared responsibility model and cloud assets

4. API Penetration Testing

API penetration testing means evaluating the security of an API of all types (REST, SOAP, and GraphQL) by simulating real attacks. It aims to identify all the vulnerabilities on the server side and in all the API’s components and functionalities. The API pentest report consists of all the vulnerabilities discovered, their impact level, and corrective measures.

By conducting regular pen tests, organizations can then reduce security breaches and ensure the security of sensitive data present in the APIs. Additionally, it can ensure that the API is functioning the way it is intended to.

Common API security threats include:

• Broken authentication
• Lack of rate limiting
• Broken function level authorization
• Injection attacks (SQL, SSTI, commands, etc.)
• Mass Assignment
• DDoS attacks
• Insufficient authentication policies

5. IoT Penetration Testing

IoT penetration testing replicated real-world cyberattacks on Internet of Things (IoT) devices and networks to find security flaws. The techniques used in IoT pentesting include analyzing network traffic, exploiting vulnerabilities in IoT web interfaces, and reverse-engineering the device’s firmware.

Since more organizations and individuals use IoT devices, penetration testing checks and help in strengthening the security of these devices from cyber criminals.

IoT Penetration Testing can detect the following security threats:

• Weak passwords
• Insecure network services
• Broken ecosystem interfaces
• Inadequate secure update mechanism
• Outdated components
• Lack of privacy
• Insecure data transfer and storage
• Lack of physical hardening

6. AI/ML Penetration Testing

AI/ML penetration testing involves evaluating the security of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications (such as ChatGPT). These systems, which often make critical decisions based on data, can be vulnerable to unique security threats.

Penetration testing for AI/ML systems aims to identify and exploit weaknesses in the algorithms, data, and models used by these systems.

Common tests include:

• Data Poisoning: Introducing false data to trick the system.
• Model Evasion: Altering inputs to bypass the AI’s detection.
• Adversarial Attacks: Adding subtle changes to input data to mislead the system.

By performing AI/ML penetration testing, organizations can understand the security flaws in their AI/ML systems and take steps to protect against potential threats. As a result, it helps ensure that AI/ML systems operate safely and reliably.

3 Approaches to Penetration Testing

Based on the information provided to the pen testers about the environment being tested, penetration testing can be then divided into 3 approaches/types:

• Black box penetration testing
• White box penetration testing
• Grey box penetration testing

Aspect	Black-Box Pentesting	White-Box Pentetsing	Gray-Box Pentesting
Knowledge of System	No knowledge	Full knowledge	Limited knowledge
Tester’s Perspective	External attacker	Insider or developer	Authorized user with limited access
Access Level	No internal access	Complete access, including source code	Limited access, typically some internal insights
Scope	Focuses on external vulnerabilities and exploits	Comprehensive, including internal vulnerabilities	Equal focus on both external and internal threats
Time Required	Generally longer, due to no prior information	Shorter, as testers have complete information	Moderate time, depending on the level of access provided
Cost	Mostly lower, due to less detailed testing	Often higher due to detailed and thorough analysis	Moderate cost
Detection of Issues	External threats, misconfigurations, and open ports	Code-level vulnerabilities, logic flaws, and hidden backdoors	Configuration issues, access controls, and data leaks

1. Black-Box Pen Testing

In black-box pen testing, the tester has no information about the system that is going to be tested, not even the application type of operating system. The testers use the same technique and approach that a hacker would take to attack the system.

It is the most challenging type of penetration testing and requires a high level of skill set. It often uses the same resources that would be available to a real attacker. Black box pentesting is the best way to test the overall security of a system.

2. White-Box Pen Testing

White box testing is a process of penetration testing where the tester has complete knowledge of the system, including the source code and access controls. It is usually done by the in-house testing team or the developers themselves.

White box testing focuses on checking whether the applications work the way they are supposed to. It doesn’t exploit any vulnerabilities but rather checks how the program works.

3. Grey Box Pen Testing

It is the combination of both black-box and white-box penetration testing. In grey-box pen testing, the testers have partial knowledge of the target environment in terms of source code, network infrastructure, and partial access to the internal network.

Grey-box testing is the best way to test the system for both insider and outsider threats. It is typically done in the early stages of a program to check what vulnerabilities could be present and how much information a hacker could potentially get.

How Often Should You Perform Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing should be performed regularly – at least once a year – to ensure more consistent IT and network security management. Additionally, it is essential to understand how newly discovered threats or emerging vulnerabilities could be exploited by hackers.

Additionally, data privacy laws and regulations require organizations to conduct security testing on a regular basis. Along with this, penetration tests should be conducted when:

• New applications, software, or network infrastructures are added
• Significant changes or upgrades are done to the applications
• You move the network or servers to a new office location
• New security patches are applied
• End-user policies are changed

Conclusion

If a hacker gains access to your networks or applications, then they could indirectly own your operation. Imagine the impact it will have on your customers, partnerships, and business. The primary goal of penetration testing is to expose weaknesses and vulnerabilities in your digital assets so that they can be quickly addressed. With the types of penetration testing mentioned in this blog, you can now choose what type of pen test to go for.

But, before choosing a penetration test service provider, it’s important to ensure that the company has the required expertise to detect a wide range of vulnerabilities. Additionally, they should be able to assist you to remediate them as quickly as possible.

If you want to conduct penetration testing for your business, choose Qualysec. We are one of those rare companies that follow hybrid process-based penetration testing methods. Whether it’s your applications, network, cloud, or AI application, we will uncover all the vulnerabilities that could be a potential cyber threat. Click the link below and talk to our expert now!