Generally, when discussing running a business safely, we consider factors such as financial security, power distribution, and personnel management. However, what’s even more pertinent is the security of the data to be used for future analytics and decisions.

The problem arises when these data are somehow lost or maliciously hacked using various hacking techniques such as social engineering, rootkit installation, DDOS attack, brute force attack, etc. Planning and assessing existing infrastructure when developing cybersecurity strategies is not enough. An effective security plan requires a hacker’s perspective on the company. That’s where penetration tests come in.

The first step toward preventing hackers from exploiting software or systems is discovering their vulnerabilities. As a company develops its security system, checking to see if it is working as intended is wise. An effective pen testing can reveal the company’s cyber defenses’ strengths and weaknesses.

What is a Penetration Test?

An authorised hack on a business is referred to as a penetration test or pen test. This type of hacking is also called ethical hacking since white hat hackers carry it out. A penetration test is designed to break into a business’s security system and find vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit.

Types of Penetration Test

There are several types of penetration tests to check a system’s security on different aspects:

• Web Application

• External Infrastructure

• Remote Access

• Cloud

• Mobile Application

• Wireless

• Internal Infrastructure

• Physical Security

• Vulnerability Management

Why is Pen Testing Important for a Business?

An organisation’s security and compliance efforts can be enhanced by regularly performing penetration tests.  By doing so, applications, websites, and infrastructure can be assured that they are secure from compromise, contributing to a more secure and compliant environment. Here are some reasons why every business should conduct a penetration test.

• Preventing Criminal Attacks by Identifying Vulnerabilities: Businesses should prioritise system security and discover vulnerabilities before hackers can exploit them. Penetration tests aren’t like antivirus scans or vulnerability scans since they are conducted by ethical hackers who may use the same techniques as criminal hackers. Therefore, a penetration test may reveal vulnerabilities overlooked in a cybersecurity strategy.

• Make Sure Your Network Defenders are up to the Task: Testing your network for intruders uses penetration tests to assess the abilities of those monitoring your network. A system for automating intrusion detection can be tested to verify that it is functioning correctly. Providing your IT professionals with the necessary tools can enable them to spot and respond to a threat.

• Consider the damage that a successful attack can cause: The impact of a successful breach on a business is multifaceted. The company can take action as soon as these impacts are identified and plan accordingly after a successful cyberattack.

• Ensure customer or executive satisfaction with security: Penetration tests prove that a company is secure to a customer or executive. Penetration testing is standard in security assessments before vendor contracts are signed. IT departments can also use penetration tests to secure their security budgets. Protecting critical company assets requires executives to have access to test results.

• Reducing the costs of remediation and the downtime of networks: If your business suffers a security breach, trying to patch security holes may result in significant outages. Your company can address vulnerabilities faster and with fewer disruptions with penetration testing before a cyberattack occurs.