Network penetration testing is a type of penetration testing, or “pen test,” that specifically targets a company’s entire computer network through ethical hacking.
The purpose of network penetration testing is to detect and identify any vulnerabilities within the organization. This involves a thorough evaluation of network security through both external and internal tests, such as web application testing and simulated phishing attacks.
How does network penetration testing work?
Network penetration testing involves ethical hackers, or red teams, using hacking tools and techniques to conduct a simulated cyberattack on an organization’s computer system. The objective is to breach the organization’s firewall and gain unauthorized access.
This testing can target web applications, APIs, endpoints, and physical controls. Simulated attacks on the operating system help identify security weaknesses and highlight areas of vulnerability.
These simulated attacks enable security teams to discover significant vulnerabilities within the network infrastructure. Common threats that can be tested include distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, domain name system (DNS) issues, malware, phishing, and SQL injection.
Testers also utilize tools for reconnaissance and to automate the penetration testing process. Typically, there are two types of tests conducted: internal and external.
Internal network tests: In these tests, penetration testers simulate internal attackers or individuals using stolen credentials to conduct malicious acts. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by someone within the organization, such as accessing private or sensitive data through privilege abuse.
External network tests: These tests simulate outside attackers attempting to breach the network. Pen testers focus on security issues related to internet-facing elements, including servers, routers, websites, applications, and employee computers, which represent open source risks.
The network penetration testing process
A network penetration test typically follows four specific steps and concludes with a network pen test report, which provides a detailed analysis of business risks and findings.
1. Gather Information and Plan
In this initial phase, ethical hackers collaborate with key stakeholders to define the goals of the testing and review any identified vulnerabilities. Before conducting penetration testing, a vulnerability assessment should be completed.
The pen testers and stakeholders then determine which tests to perform and the success metrics to use. Testers employ various tools and methodologies, such as port scanning and network mapping (nmap), to conduct simulated attacks.
Three commonly used test perspectives include:
- Black Box Testing: This test simulates an average hacker with little or no internal knowledge of the network system. It focuses on exploiting outward-facing vulnerabilities and is typically conducted as an external pen test.
- Gray Box Testing: This test combines aspects of both internal and external perspectives. It simulates a hacker with partial internal access, aiming to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by someone within the organization using elevated privileges.
- White Box Testing: The most intrusive of the three, this test simulates an IT specialist or someone with full access to the organization’s source code and data. It is generally performed last to evaluate the integrity of the IT architecture and ensure that potential hackers and cyberattacks cannot penetrate the system.
2. Conduct reconnaissance and discover
During the reconnaissance and discovery phase, penetration testers use information gathered from reconnaissance to conduct live tests and identify existing vulnerabilities through methods such as social engineering. By employing deceptive techniques to persuade individuals into divulging information, the testers aim to locate and target weak points.
In the discovery step, testers may utilize tools such as a port scanner and a vulnerability scanner. The port scanner detects open ports on a system that could be potential entry points for hackers, while the vulnerability scanner identifies existing vulnerabilities within the system.
3. Perform the network penetration test
In this next step, all the preliminary work is put into action. Penetration testers conduct network penetration tests using tools designed to exploit scripts or attempt data theft. The goal is to assess the extent of damage that ethical hackers can inflict and determine how long they can maintain access if they gain entry.
Testers may begin by addressing one vulnerability at a time but should ultimately test multiple vulnerabilities to ensure a comprehensive approach to mitigating these security risks.
4. Analyze and report information
The final step involves documenting the network penetration tests conducted, reviewing the results of each test, and discussing remediation strategies with the information security team. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the entire process, including identified vulnerabilities, evidence, data, and recommendations for the organization. This report is crucial for the business owner to understand the identified risks fully and to receive an analysis that aids in making informed decisions.
Why companies network penetration test
1. Protect Your Data
Organizations face numerous threats, making it essential to implement strong safeguards for sensitive information. A network penetration test helps identify all vulnerabilities and secures your organization’s data from potential entry points. While vulnerability scans are useful, they are not as comprehensive and should be used as a complement to penetration testing.
2. Understand Your Security Controls
Penetration testing provides insights into which security controls are effective and which need enhancement. It also allows organizations to evaluate their overall security posture.
3. Prevent Data Breaches
By proactively assessing network vulnerabilities, you can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches. Penetration testing enhances security through thorough assessments and cybersecurity scans.
FAQ’s
What is network penetration testing?
Network penetration testing, or “pen testing,” is a form of security testing that evaluates a company’s entire computer network by simulating a cyberattack using ethical hacking techniques. The goal is to identify and address vulnerabilities in the network infrastructure, including web applications, APIs, endpoints, and physical controls.
How does network penetration testing work?
Network penetration testing involves ethical hackers, also known as red teams, who use various hacking tools and techniques to conduct a simulated attack on an organization’s network. They aim to breach the network’s defenses and assess how long they can maintain unauthorized access. This includes targeting external and internal vulnerabilities, such as those in web applications, APIs, and endpoints.
How does network penetration testing differ from vulnerability scanning?
While both aim to identify vulnerabilities, network penetration testing is more comprehensive and involves simulating real-world attacks to assess the potential impact and exploitability of vulnerabilities. Vulnerability scanning is useful but generally provides a broader but less detailed view of potential security issues and should be used in conjunction with penetration testing.
Conclusion
Network penetration testing is a vital component of a comprehensive security strategy, offering a detailed assessment of a company’s network defenses through simulated cyberattacks. By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in both external and internal systems, organizations can significantly enhance their security posture and reduce the risk of data breaches. This proactive approach not only helps protect sensitive information but also provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of existing security measures. Ultimately, network penetration testing enables businesses to make informed decisions, strengthen their defenses, and maintain a robust security framework against evolving threats.