The network of every organization represents the basis of the IT infrastructure that links the servers, applications and users. However, with the increase in the complexity of cyberattacks, the old security tools are no longer effective. In order to develop resilience, network penetration testing and external network penetration testing should be conducted by the businesses on a regular basis. Such tests are representative of real-life attacks which may expose the vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by the malicious hackers.
Network penetration testing
Network penetration testing is the practice of simulating controlled cyberattacks on your internal and external network nodes with a view to recognizing vulnerable areas. Ethical hackers who are certified will act like actual attackers to determine how effective your defenses and response systems are.
The process examines:
- Firewalls, routers and switches
- Authentication and password policies
- Access controls and network segmentation
- Configuration of servers and endpoints
- Intra-organizational communication channels
Weaknesses can be discovered, and it will help organizations to enhance protection against ransomware, malware, and unauthorized access.
External Network Penetration Testing
external network penetration testing has a narrow scope and aims at testing internet-facing resources, including websites, APIs, VPN gateways, and email servers. These are the initial line of protection and the most inviting targets to attackers. This test determines weak points that may enable foreigners to establish themselves in your systems.
Key areas of focus include:
- Software and protocol versions not patched
- Loose ports or malfunctioning firewalls
- SSL/TLS weaknesses
- DNS misconfigurations
- Weakly secured cloud integrations
Having identified the vulnerabilities, they are prioritized and fixed to avoid possible breaches.
The importance of combining both tests is as follows
The use of network penetration testing can only allow internal vulnerabilities to be seen; however, a combination of network penetration testing and external network penetration testing can guarantee maximum transparency of security. The attackers tend to attack external systems before laterally attacking internal networks.
A combined approach helps:
- Secure internal systems, and perimeter systems
- Assure security control effectiveness
- Minimize the chances of data leakage or service failures
- Enhance adherence to international cybersecurity requirements
The strategy is consistent with the tenets of zero-trust where all connections are treated as hostile.
The Testing Process:
1. Planning and Scoping: Establish assets, IP ranges and objectives
2. Reconnaissance: Find out intelligence about external systems and internal topology
3. Vulnerability Discovery: Automated and manual techniques to discover exploitable vulnerabilities
4. Exploitation: Trying to interfere with systems to quantify actual impact
5. Reporting and Recommendations: Suggest a prioritized vulnerability fixing roadmap
The phases provide knowledge that fortifies your cybersecurity infrastructure.
Benefits of Regular Testing
- Reduction of Risk: Correct problems before they are found by hackers.
- Regulatory Compliance: Achieve standards of such frameworks as ISO 27001 and SOC 2.
- Enhanced Security Consciousness: Educate the IT personnel in detecting and addressing vulnerabilities.
- Operational Continuity: Do not allow cyber incident service interruptions.
Frequent testing makes security a defensive mechanism rather than a defensive or reactive measure.
Conclusion
Due to the changes in cyber threats, network and external testing has become compulsory to protect critical infrastructure. Network penetration testing and external network penetration testing are done regularly thus enabling organizations to effectively identify, prevent and patch vulnerabilities.
Get Aardwolf Security on board to protect your network in all directions and increase the resilience of your organization to cyber-attacks.