The threat of cyberattacks is a universal concern for businesses around the world. Hackers employ a comprehensive array of sophisticated techniques to compromise the security of IT environments. High-profile data breaches overshadow countless attacks on smaller firms, which do not make news headlines.
Corptek ensures our clients are adopting multi-layered cybersecurity measures, including the deployment of top-tier technologies is critical to hardening cyber defenses. These measures should incorporate regular user training or awareness programs and penetration testing. The later helps IT experts detect the presence of vulnerabilities in the system.
Penetration testing process
To test the system for flaws, a cybersecurity expert or ethical hacker employs various cyberattack techniques to access your organization’s network. This form of hacking requires high-level information technology skills to infiltrate top-tier, hardened cyber defenses. Thus, you need to enlist the services of an established IT service provider. Doing so ensures that you positively identify flaws without the risk of damaging your network.
Penetration tests often focus on a specific aspect of your system. You can implement different types of tests, including application, Wi-Fi, external, on-site, and internal penetration testing. Once the IT professional completes testing, you receive a report with a rating and call to action list that indicates areas requiring urgent attention.
Strategic benefits of tests
By performing penetration testing regularly, you maximize chances of identifying high-risk vulnerabilities before bad actors exploit them. This approach is more effective than automated vulnerability scans, which often miss high-risk flaws. In the end, you can have peace of mind knowing that your network has undergone thorough checks.
Testing explores networks and systems that scanning cannot access due to compatibility issues. An ethical hacker employs a manual, systematic process to check various parts of the system thoroughly. Testing the network by applying sophisticated hacking techniques helps determine the real integrity of the cyber defenses.
Evaluate the effectiveness of cybersecurity solutions
Conducting tests also help convince executives on increasing resource allocation, including personnel and technology, towards cybersecurity initiatives. Many organizations perform regular inspections to evaluate the effectiveness of cybersecurity technologies acquired as part of a broader risk management strategy.
Ensure business continuity
Pen testing helps reinforce cyber defenses, thus contributing to business continuity. By performing tests, you minimize the risk of experiencing downtime and operational disruptions. In turn, your organization benefits from reliable communications systems and around-the-clock network availability. Downtime compromises the future of your business by damaging reputation and customer confidence.
Identifying vulnerabilities keeps productivity high and bolsters customer satisfaction. Thus, you must treat penetration testing as an extension of business continuity audits.
Gap analysis
IT professionals use pen tests to determine the overall performance of your cybersecurity measures. Some of the essential defense solutions evaluated during tests include firewalls, encryption technologies, and other layered security mechanisms. The tests also play an indispensable role in ensuring that new applications are secure. Conducting tests before deploying new apps should form part of your company’s risk management strategy.
A network security expert can help assess the applications to minimize the risk of a breach. These assessments are vital when the app handles your organization’s sensitive information.
Compliance
Regular testing makes it easier to meet compliance requirements. This approach is particularly important in sectors like finance and health. Organizations that deal with sensitive financial information need to comply with strict conditions. Fortunately, IT security firms have the expertise required to perform precision penetration testing. They can detect high-risk vulnerabilities that pose a danger to your business and stakeholders.
Once the pen testing process is complete, IT experts take remediation measures to ensure compliance with regulatory cybersecurity requirements. You can count on the experts to provide practical solutions to flaws detected in your network.
