The number of cyberattack incidents on businesses is increasing every day. Organizations look forward to all the possible approaches that can protect them from these threats. One such strategy is opting for penetration testing.
It works by simulating a malicious attack on your IT infrastructure in the hands of experts to identify potential weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Pentesting has become a useful option for both small and large-scale companies to strengthen their cybersecurity. Understanding its basics is important to make an informed decision.
If you are worried about cybersecurity susceptibilities in your system and want to implement penetration testing, keep reading. This article will answer the most fundamental questions about penetration testing.
Top 6 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Pentesting
Pentesting has evolved as an instrumental method to avert potential cyberattacks. It is the best way to test your defense mechanism against cyber incidents by pointing out potential vulnerabilities in your security infrastructure. However, it is important to clear up any confusion before making up your mind. Let’s discuss the six most frequently asked questions about pentesting:
What Is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing, otherwise known as pentesting, is one of the most sophisticated approaches to strengthening cybersecurity. Different companies leverage the expertise of cybersecurity experts to determine their exposure to potential risks.
Pentesting is a type of ethical hacking. Here, you employ a professional to exploit susceptibilities in your workplace’s computer system. They launch a simulated cyberattack exploiting weaknesses in your infrastructure. This approach is helpful in identifying different vulnerabilities.
After the complete evaluation, they offer suggestions to address different issues in your system. It is important to hire an experienced and reliable individual due to the sensitivity of the job. People refer to penetration testing companies in UAE to conduct this test more reliably and effectively.
What Are Different Types of Pen testing?
There are many different types of penetration testing, each serving a varying purpose. Understanding each type is vital to making the right decision. It also helps you learn everything you need to know about pentesting.
The most common types of penetration testing are:
- Network Penetration Testing
- Application Penetration Testing
- Automated Penetration Testing
- Wireless Penetration Testing
- Social Engineering Penetration Testing
You can select any of the types of penetration testing based on your particular requirements. For example, if you think your network is exposed to vulnerabilities, you can opt for NPT.
Is Pentesting Different from Vulnerability Assessment?
People often confuse pentesting with a vulnerability assessment. You can particularly get puzzled if you are new to this landscape. Knowing the difference between PT and VA can assist you in choosing the most suitable option for your needs.
Vulnerability assessment is a way of identifying and categorizing potential vulnerabilities without actively simulating the attack. It is an automated process where a system’s weaknesses are determined by performing a search scan.
On the other hand, as mentioned earlier, penetration testing is a more hands-on approach. Experts first recognize potential cybersecurity susceptibilities and then launch a simulated attack to judge their intensity.
Why Do You Need Penetration Testing?
There are multiple reasons why businesses need penetration testing. The first and foremost reason is to strengthen their defense against threat actors. It gives them a chance to point out weaknesses in their systems and take measures to resolve the issues.
It would not be wrong to say that cyber threats are threatening the integrity of today’s business landscape. Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated in identifying vulnerabilities in an organization’s system and exploiting them for their sinister agendas.
This is where penetration testing comes into play. It enables you to pinpoint proneness in your IT infrastructure before a malicious actor damages your business. It enhances your company’s security and safeguards its reputation.
Why Do You Need Certified Experts for Pentesting?
Penetration testing is a challenging task. A special skill set and expertise are required to conduct pentesting successfully. This is the most important reason why you need certified experts for this task.
Here are various benefits that outsourcing penetration testing can offer:
- You can avoid spending money on hiring a full-time tester
- You can leverage the expertise and skills of experienced professionals
- It helps you leverage advanced tools and technology
Hiring an external expert also offers you peace of mind regarding your security issues. You can contact penetration testing companies in UAE to get all the above benefits.
How Often Should You Perform Penetration Testing?
Regular penetration testing is one of the most beneficial corporate habits. There are multiple factors that determine how often you should perform penetration testing.
You should consider various aspects to determine the frequency of pentesting in your firm. For instance, you should keep your budget, workplace environment, and risk profile. Usually, experts recommend performing penetration testing at least once or twice a year.
Final Thoughts
Penetration testing is one of the most important procedures in today’s vulnerable business landscape. It imitates a cyberattack to point out potential weaknesses in a computer system. Contacting cybersecurity experts to conduct pentesting is the best approach in this regard.