What is penetration testing for cybersecurity?
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP, Dean, College of Business and IT
What is penetration testing?
Sometimes known as ethical or white-hat hacking, penetration testing is a simulated cyberattack designed to identify vulnerabilities in networks, servers or devices that a company can then remediate. Companies authorize these deliberate attacks in an effort to address cybersecurity threats before hackers discover and exploit them.
Pen testing, as it’s commonly called, plays a critical role in the cybersecurity field. It can help organizations accomplish several information security goals, from risk assessment to incident response.
As cybersecurity attacks pose an increasing threat to organizations, penetration testing (and the professionals who know how to perform it) becomes increasingly important. Here’s what you need to know.
Types of penetration testing
Pen testers use a variety of strategies to target a company’s networks. For example, cloud networks require different strategies than in-person servers.
Here are some of the types of pen testing:
- : The tester has a general familiarity with how a network functions but no understanding of how a specific internal network operates. They understand how a network is supposed to operate, but they are not told how it works.
- : The tester has credentials and a full understanding of how a network operates. This threat simulates an attack from an insider who might already know internal security protocols.
- : The tester has partial knowledge of how a network operates. This testing method combines elements of both white and black box testing, simulating an attack from someone with limited knowledge.
The penetration testing process
Pen testers follow several steps when trying to breach a company’s network.
The process typically includes the :
- Information collection:Â Penetration testers gather intel on company networks, systems and devices.
- Scanning: Testers perform “” that identify ports, subdomains and other network features available for attempted hacking.
- Vulnerability assessment:Â Testers perform initial vulnerability assessments to help identify any network weaknesses.
- Exploitation:Â Testers use various techniques to exploit the vulnerabilities they find. They work individually or in teams to breach company servers, networks and devices and access the data inside.
- Reporting and review:Â Testers provide comprehensive reports after testing concludes.
Penetration testers can’t protect a company’s networks; they only identify vulnerabilities to a company’s information security. After a penetration test on their network, companies must use the results in productive ways.
Common penetration testing techniques
Penetration testers choose their techniques based on a company’s network or system features. Here are some common penetration testing techniques:
- Social engineering: Tapping vulnerabilities in human nature to access company systems, this technique often involves .
- Network scanning: in company systems, this technique relies on common scanning programs to help .
- Web application: Pen testers use this approach to identify specific vulnerabilities in web applications like cloud storage drives. Penetration testers might use strategies like , or .
There are many more ethical hacking techniques that penetration testers might use when attempting to access company networks. Depending on the situation, they might also use strategies in cryptography, wireless network testing or password cracking.
Penetration testing tools
Pen testers rely on several tools and web applications when attempting to crack a company’s systems. These tools help them identify cybersecurity weaknesses, exploit those weaknesses and generate post-attack reports for employers.
One popular tool, Metasploit, specifically helps testers examine networks for weaknesses. The tool is open source, meaning testers can customize the code to fit the network or operating system they’re working on. It provides .
Many testers also have Nmap — an abbreviation for Network Mapper — in their toolkit. Nmap helps them , identifying ports and vulnerabilities an attacker can exploit. The free tool also has an open-source code base and supports Windows, Mac and Linux systems, as well as lesser-known systems.
Pen testers use a variety of other tools and web applications for specific-use cases as well. For example, Kali Linux remains the . Wireshark provides . Hashcat helps penetration testers .
The role of penetration testers
Penetration testers fulfill a critical role for organizations, either as full-time employees or contracted consultants. Here are some of the ways pen testers protect assets:
- Conducting regular vulnerability assessments that identify new and evolving exploits
- Providing reports that explain exactly how companies can fix weaknesses within their systems
- Testing the security of company firewalls, passwords, hardware, software programs, intrusion detection systems and access permissions
- Uncovering any online files or documentation that could make it easier for cybercriminals to hack company systems
- Working with internal IT and security teams to address vulnerabilities before hackers find them
Testers also spend time educating themselves on the latest hacking techniques. They consult industry resources, participate in exercises and attend security events that explain the latest trends in vulnerability learning and research.
Legal and ethical considerations
Penetration testing raises important legal and ethical considerations, particularly when testers actually breach company networks. To remain fully compliant, they must first obtain permission to identify and intrude upon a company’s systems. They also need to follow responsible disclosure practices after ethical hacking sessions end.
It is illegal to perform a penetration test without authorization. Testers must obtain explicit written permission before performing any sort of exploit on company property, commonly known as the .
Penetration tests must also follow applicable laws, including regulations on data privacy and intellectual property rights. They should only access data on a need-to-know basis for the purpose of preventing additional cybercrimes.
Benefits of penetration testing for organizations
Penetration testing provides important benefits. Most notably, it helps a company better understand threats to its digital data. Here are some other ways that pen testing helps organizations:
- Identifies previously hidden vulnerabilities
- Mitigates risks to sensitive data before hackers get the chance
- Meets compliance requirements for network security and access
- Evaluates and enhances the effectiveness of firewalls, access permissions and other internal security procedures
- Avoids the high costs of a potential security breach
Some organizations also consider . Customers, stakeholders and employees often prefer to partner with companies that take their security seriously.
Penetration testing vs. vulnerability assessments
Penetration testing and vulnerability assessment are similar but distinct fields. Vulnerability assessment is more of an observational step, when penetration testers review and identify potential threats to company systems. Pen testing searches for exploits based on assessment findings.
Vulnerability assessments rely heavily on automated scanning tools to scope out company networks. Testers use these tools to search for vulnerabilities, system misconfigurations or other points of access. After a vulnerability assessment, actual testing can begin.
Penetration testing education and training
Students can learn penetration testing in several ways. Some might prefer a bachelor’s degree in technology, one that teaches comprehensive skills in cybersecurity, software development and IT best practices.
Other students might opt for a potentially faster route to the workforce: an accelerated certificate program that teaches skills today’s employers want. These programs include a certificate in cyber and network defense, in which students learn skills in ethical hacking, security networking and data programming.
Learn about cybersecurity programs and technology degrees at °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝
If you’re interested in joining the fight against malicious hackers, consider earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. Management-level cybersecurity professionals, or those desiring to become one, may need to pursue a master’s degree to further sharpen their skills and develop their leadership potential.
°®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ offers online course collections, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees to accommodate IT professionals at different stages of their careers. Learn more about undergraduate and graduate online technology degrees from UOPX and start your IT journey today!
- :Â This course collection can help you prepare to sit for the EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification exam. Topics include the phases of ethical hacking, recognizing weaknesses and vulnerabilities of a system, social engineering, IoT threats, risk mitigation and more.
- :Â This course collection can help you prepare to sit for the EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH) certification exam. This specialist certification focuses on how to effectively handle security breaches.Â
- :Â This course collection can help you prepare to sit for the entry-level EC-Council Certified Network Defender (CND) certification exam. Courses focus on protecting a network from security breaches before they happen.
- Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator Course Collection: This course collection can help you prepare to sit for the EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI) certification exam. Learn about the latest technologies, tools and methodologies in digital forensics, including the dark web, IoT, malware, the cloud and data forensics.
- Advanced Cybersecurity Certificate:Â Within this program, you can develop the technical knowledge to step into the fast-growing field of IT security, helping keep computer systems safe from data breaches and cyberattacks. Get real-life experience through hands-on IT labs and simulations while developing a broad knowledge of cybersecurity to help prepare you for your technology career.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology, Kathryn Uhles has served °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝.
This article has been vetted by °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝'s editorial advisory committee.Â
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