If we start from the basics, a pent test is a form of ethical cybersecurity assessment that can help businesses find, investigate and remediate vulnerabilities in their network or applications. Although pen testing involves harnessing the same group of tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs), the procedure can vary widely, and could include internal and external infrastructure testing, API testing, mobile or web application testing, social engineering and physical security testing, cloud and network configuration reviews and more. Before you select the right kind of penetration testing to strengthen your cyber security, here are some types of pen tests you need to know about based on depth, focus and duration. Black Box Penetration Testing
Also known as external testing, black box pen testing involves assessing a system without any prior knowledge of its internal workings. The tester operates from the perspective of an external attacker, while solely relying on publicly available information and their skillsets to identify vulnerabilities. There are many perks of black box pen testing. Some of them are listed as follows:
This pen test has the advantage of real-world simulation. It mimics the approach of an actual attacker, hence providing a realistic assessment of external threats.
Without insider knowledge, the test offers an unbiased evaluation, while highlighting vulnerabilities that might be overlooked by internal assessments.
In addition, penetration testing is also cost-effective as it requires less time and resources as compared to other testing methods, hence making it a more cost-effective alternative for many organizations.
White Box Penetration Testing
Otherwise, famous as internal or glass box testing, white box testing provides the tester with a comprehensive knowledge of the system’s architecture, internal operations and source code for a thorough examination of potential vulnerabilities from inside. With white box pen tests, organizations can:
Have access to detailed system information, while uncovering both external and internal vulnerabilities.
The tester can swiftly identify and exploit weaknesses providing a detailed understanding of potential threats.
Thoroughly evaluate every aspect of the system without leaving any pitfalls.
Grey Box Pen Testing
Grey Box Penetration Testing strikes a balance between Black Box and White Box testing. The tester has partial knowledge of the system, such as access credentials or basic architectural information. With the white box approach, businesses can reap a wide array of benefits, including:
Getting a balanced perspective that combines the realistic external viewpoint of black box testing with the internal POV of white view testing.
Offers a comprehensive assessment without the extensive resource requirements of a full White Box test.
Allows the tester to focus on critical areas with known vulnerabilities for better efficiency.
Conclusion
In case you are wondering about how often penetration testing shall be conducted, we will say, you can do it at least once per year. However, businesses with enormous IT estates, who process large volumes of financial or personal data, need to conduct pent tests for their cybersecurity more often as they have to adhere to strict compliance requirements or safeguard sensitive information from frequent attacks. In addition, also ensure to choose the right pen test provider to help you detect a wide range of vulnerabilities and provide assistance for remediating the vulnerabilities as quickly as possible.
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