The interconnected networks and cloud platform are being embraced by the businesses as a result of the speed at which businesses are digitalizing and therefore improving efficiency and scalability. However, with the growth of these developments, threat surface increases. Even the most advanced businesses can be susceptible to cyberattacks because of misconfigurations, unconfigured systems, and unsecured integrations. That is why network penetration testing and cloud penetration testing must be included in the security program of organizations to have a robust infrastructure of all levels.
Penetration Testing Network What It involves.
Network penetration testing is a simulated physical drill on your IT infrastructure that is meant to demonstrate the vulnerabilities that can be compromised by the attackers before they act. It is a scanning procedure, which entails the application of both manual testing alongside advanced tools and attacker-like logic in order to detect the deep-rooted vulnerability which a normal scanning cannot detect.
During a standard network penetration test, security experts would perform an analysis of:
- Unsecured or improperly set up ports exposing services to the internet.
- Weak authentication/use of password in different devices.
- Firewall or VPN misconfigurations.
- Weak internal segmentation.
- Old operating systems and firmware.
The vulnerabilities are categorized regarding the exploitability and business impact. Not only to determine vulnerabilities, but to demonstrate how they can be combined by attackers and used to lead to a total compromise.
The Goal of cloud penetration testing.
The implementation of the cloud has increased tremendously and made it easier to work remotely and the work can be done in any corner of the world. Nonetheless, cloud computing shared responsibility model means that providers are not fully concerned with security. Organizations will have the responsibility of their own configurations, information and access control. In this, cloud penetration testing is relevant.
Cloud penetration testing identifies vulnerabilities within the public, private or hybrid cloud environment such as:
- Poor identity and access management (IAM) policy.
- Insecure cloud storage buckets (AWS S3, Azure Blob, etc.).
- Weak API gateways and application gateways.
- Too liberal virtual networks.
- Weak encryption or control of key.
Using the simulation of real cloud attacks, testers indicate how hackers may inspect the loose settings, steal credentialing, or stretch delicate information.
The Importance of Both Tests
In the modern-day business, hardly any businesses are operated individually. Network and cloud systems are interconnected i.e. vulnerability of one system can translate to the vulnerability of the other. Network penetration test will secure the on-premises and hybrid environment, and a cloud test will secure remote and the virtualized environment.
Combining the two provides:
- Full visibility of risk profile of your hybrid infrastructure.
- Out Internal and external guarantees of attack vectors.
- Reduced vulnerability to configuration errors in multi-clouds.
- SOX, SOC 2, GDPR and ISO 27001.
Better preparedness in response to catastrophe and emergency.
Such a dual approach will enable them to have no digital resource, whether on local server or on the cloud, without protection.
The Comprehensive Approach of Aardwolf Security.
Penetration testing in the case of Aardwolf security is not a technical audit; it is a security alliance. Their process includes:
1. Scoping & Asset Mapping: This is the identification of systems, networks and cloud environments that will be assessed.
2. Threat Simulation: It is a simulation of advanced cyberattacks.
3. Vulnerability Exploitation: Learning about potential implications by means of ethical exploitation.
4. Clear Reporting: The display of clear, prioritized findings and remediation guidelines that were practical.
5. Retesting and Validation: To enable the fixes to be permanent and successful.
This strategy will bring objective benefits to the resilience and lessen the consequences of operations.
Ongoing Testing of Ongoing Security.
Cybersecurity is not static. Each software upgrade, integration or addition of new employees, would introduce possible vulnerabilities. The frequent network and cloud penetration testing enable to monitor and identify the emerged risks in a timelier manner. Being a component of the DevSecOps programs, it will ensure that every piece of code release or cloud implementation is put to test prior to its live availability.
Conclusion
Network penetration testing and cloud penetration testing would help companies to disclose security blind points to make them compliant and to maintain their customers trust in them. Not only can you receive vulnerability data with the assistance of Aardwolf Security but also useful information to improve your overall security status. Learn how active testing will transform your cyber resiliency by going to aardwolfsecurity.com.