With numerous types of penetration testing available, determining which assessment suits your business needs can be challenging. Cyber security pen testing encompasses various areas, such as applications, wireless networks, network services, and physical assets. These may involve internal and external infrastructure testing, web or mobile application testing, API testing, cloud and network configuration reviews, social engineering, and physical security testing.
This guide aims to clarify the industry jargon and provide all the information necessary to identify the appropriate pen test/VAPT for your organization, including the critical decision of whether you need black box, white box, or grey box testing.
What is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing, or pen testing, is an ethical cyber security assessment designed to discover, analyze, and address vulnerabilities in a company's network or applications. By using the same tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) as cybercriminals, pen tests simulate real attacks against an organization to evaluate the effectiveness of its security controls.
Pen tests can simulate various attack vectors, whether performed externally or internally. The scope and results of each test depend on the organization's specific needs. The type of assessment determines the level of information provided to the penetration tester. In white box testing, the tester has full access to network and system details; in grey box testing, the tester receives limited information; and in black box testing, the tester has no prior knowledge, simulating a real-life attack scenario.
Types of Penetration Testing
Understanding the different types of cyber security pen tests is crucial before selecting a provider, as engagements differ in focus, depth, and duration. Common types include:
- Internal & External Network Penetration Testing
- Evaluates on-premise and cloud network infrastructure, including firewalls, system hosts, and devices such as routers and switches. Tests can focus on internal assets or external, internet-facing infrastructure.
- Wireless Penetration Testing
- Targets an organization’s WLAN and wireless protocols like Bluetooth, ZigBee, and Z-Wave. Identifies rogue access points and encryption weaknesses.
- Web Application Testing
- Assesses websites and web applications to uncover coding, design, and development flaws. Providers need information on the number of applications, static pages, dynamic pages, and input fields.
- Mobile Application Testing
- Tests mobile applications on operating systems such as Android and iOS for issues like authentication, authorization, data leakage, and session handling. Providers need details on OS types, versions, API calls, and requirements for jailbreaking/root detection.
- Build and Configuration Review
- Reviews network builds and configurations to identify misconfigurations in web and app servers, routers, and firewalls.
- Social Engineering
- Assesses the ability of systems and personnel to detect and respond to email phishing attacks through customized phishing, spear phishing, and Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks.
- Cloud Penetration Testing
- Custom assessments to uncover vulnerabilities in cloud and hybrid environments, addressing shared responsibility challenges.
- Agile Penetration Testing
- Continuous security assessments throughout the development cycle to ensure each product release is secure.
Whitebox bvs. Blackbox vs. Greybox Pen TestingThe amount of information shared before an engagement significantly influences its outcomes:
- White Box Penetration Testing
- Involves full disclosure of network and system information, saving time and reducing costs. Useful for simulating targeted attacks on specific systems.
- Black Box Penetration Testing
- Provides no prior information to the tester, who approaches the assessment like an unprivileged attacker. This is the most authentic but often the most expensive option.
- Grey Box Penetration Testing
- Limited information is shared, usually login credentials. Balances depth and efficiency, simulating either an insider threat or an attack that has breached the perimeter.
Pen Testing FrequencyOrganizations should conduct security testing at least annually, with additional assessments after significant infrastructure changes or before product launches, mergers, or acquisitions.
Organizations with extensive IT estates or stringent compliance requirements may need more frequent tests. Agile or continuous pen testing integrates regular testing into the software development lifecycle, aligning with product release schedules to ensure new features are secure.
Choosing the Right Pen Test Provider
Select a provider with the expertise to identify a wide range of vulnerabilities and assist in quick remediation. Cybertest.io, a division of cyberprobity.io is an accredited pen tester that offers comprehensive testing programs tailored to business needs, addressing vulnerabilities in internal and external infrastructure, wireless networks, web and mobile apps, and network configurations. Offering open testing as a stand alone service, cybertest.io includes post-test care, actionable outputs, prioritized remediation guidance, and strategic security advice to enhance long-term cyber security posture. However, it recommends its Vulnerability Assessment and Pentesting services as outlined is a previous guide.
