Introduction
Penetration testing is an important part of ensuring the security of your network. But what exactly is penetration testing, and why should you consider it? In this blog post, we’ll explore the fundamentals of external pentesting so you can better understand what it is and how it can benefit your organization. We’ll also look at best practices for running a successful test, as well as tips for improving your security posture before and after engaging in a penetration test. Read on to get started!
Methodology of External Pentesting
External pentesting is a process of assessing the security of organizations externally facing systems and infrastructure. The methodology used for external pen-testing is similar to that used for internal pentesting, but with a few key differences.
One of the main differences between external and internal pen testing is the scope of the assessment. External pen testing typically has a much larger scope than internal pen testing, as it includes all systems and infrastructure that are accessible from the internet. This means that external pentesters must have a good understanding of network architecture and how systems are interconnected.
Another difference between external and internal pentesting is the level of access that the tester has to the system under test. Internal pentesters usually have much more access to systems and data than external pentesters. This is because they are usually employees or contractors of the organization being tested, whereas external pentesters are typically only given access to public-facing systems and infrastructure.
External pentesters must also be aware of the legal implications of their actions. In many jurisdictions, unauthorized access to computer systems is a crime. As such, external pentesters must take care to only perform actions that are within the scope of their engagement and have been authorized by their client.
Overall, external pentesting is a vital part of any organization’s security program. By identifying weaknesses in externally facing systems and infrastructure, organizations can take steps to mitigate these risks before attackers exploit them.
Steps of External Pentesting
- Establish the goals and objectives of the penetration test.
- Identify the systems and networks that will be tested.
- Plan the attack, including identifying potential targets and methods.
- Execute the attack and collect data about the systems and networks being tested.
- Analyze the data collected during the attack to identify vulnerabilities.
- Report the findings to stakeholders, including recommendations for remediation of identified vulnerabilities.
Importance of External Pentesting
External pentest automation is important because it can help an organization identify and fix weaknesses in its external facing systems before malicious actors can exploit them. This helps ensure that the organization’s assets are secure and confidential information remains protected. Additionally, external pen testing can help organizations become more compliant with industry regulations like HIPAA or PCI DSS, as well as provide evidence of due diligence to regulators, customers, and other stakeholders.
Conclusion
External penetration testing is an invaluable tool for organizations looking to improve their cybersecurity posture. By simulating a malicious attack, companies can identify potential vulnerabilities and take steps to protect themselves from real-world threats. It’s important that companies understand the basics of external pen testing so they can properly assess their security risks and be better prepared in the event of a breach. With this knowledge, organizations can make informed decisions about how best to protect themselves against digital attacks.
