Since the internet boom hit, many organizations have become over-reliant on web applications and networks to keep them in business without interruption. Your programs may be running day and night, but so are hackers; constantly probing for weak spots in the defenses of organizations like yours. Penetration testing (or pen testing, for short) is increasingly recognized as a key practice for protecting SMBs and SMEs against vulnerabilities that bad actors could otherwise exploit.
What is Pen Testing?
Pen testing simulates a cyber-attack on a system, network or application. It helps identify precisely where your technology could be vulnerable: a proactive approach to security that allows organizations to better understand their security posture.
There are various types of pen testing. These include Web Application Pen Testing and Network Pen Testing. Web Application Pen Testing focuses on assessing the security of web applications. Web Applications face a unique set of threats that includes SQL injection, cross-site scripting and API-related vulnerabilities. Network Pen Testing targets the network’s infrastructure. It looks at servers, routers and firewalls to find cracks that could allow bad actors to access or breach the data your organization holds.
Why is Pen Testing Important?
Planning and Scope Definition
Before any testing begins, it’s essential to define the scope of the engagement. This involves identifying the systems and applications to be tested, the testing methodologies to be employed, and the rules of engagement.
Reconnaissance
During the reconnaissance phase of testing, penetration testers gather as much information as they can about the target. Techniques for doing this can include network scanning, service enumeration and reviewing publicly available information.
Exploitation
At this stage, testers will attempt to exploit identified vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access. This is where the pen tester’s skills are fully put to the test, as they simulate real-world attack scenarios.
Post-Exploitation
Once they have succeeded in gaining access, the tester will assess the extent of the vulnerability uncovered. This helps the organization being tested to understand the potential impact of an attack—and whether sensitive data could be exposed.
Reporting
A comprehensive final report will detail any vulnerabilities found and the methods the testers used to exploit them, along with recommendations for remediation. This is a critical part of the process, as it provides actionable insights for the organization being tested.
Beyond the Basic
Solis is a security-first organization committed to safeguarding businesses from the ever-evolving cyber-threats they face. Our penetration testing team specializes in identifying and securing vulnerabilities across critical infrastructures, ensuring that your servers, networks, and applications remain resilient. Our pen testing team brings more than a decade’s hands-on experience. Our testers hold top industry certifications, including CISSP, Security+ and OSWP, making us the partner organizations like yours trust to help protect them against even the most advanced attacks.
Web Application and Network Pen Testing are essential components of any reinforced cybersecurity strategy. By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, organizations can better protect their assets and fortify their external defenses against cyber-attacks. Investing in penetration testing safeguards sensitive information, while fostering trust and confidence among customers and stakeholders. So, don’t wait for a breach to occur—take proactive steps today to secure your digital landscape.
About Solis
Solis delivers best-in-class managed cyber security services and cyber incident response. Combining state-of-the-art technology with unparalleled cyber threat intelligence, our award-winning team of cybersecurity experts has more than 21 years of experience protecting SMBs and SMEs from potentially devastating cyber-attacks.
With offices in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, Solis handles thousands of cyber events each year and is trusted by customers in 90+ countries around the world. Learn more at www.solissecurity.com
