The world has been changing rapidly as technology is evolving. Data of millions of users is available on centralized databases. All these changes trigger security threats, including data breaches and cyber-attacks. Penetration Testing is a critical security protocol that involves identifying and resolving the existing cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities in systems and networks. A penetration tester must have a mix of technical expertise and theoretical skills. These skills include a complete grip on different networks, servers, security protocols, and hacking tools. Penetration testers must be familiar with the latest operating systems and scripting languages. Tips for adequate penetration testing are stated below:
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Tips for Pen Testing:
Developers used to adopt several strategies to streamline their testing effectively. Here are some penetration tips for you to adopt.
Focus on High-Risk Assets and Workflows:
The first and foremost step in effective penetration testing is understanding the entire business system and identifying and focusing on high-risk assets and workflows. After identifying the high-risk assets, the next step is to conduct a pen test to have a video picture of security flaws and weaknesses in the organization`s system and network.
The tester must develop a customized testing model while considering the industry, organization structure, and expected flaws. Deep analysis of login and log-out functions of web applications, data servers, and local networks helps in understanding the security flaws and resolving these flaws. Identifying the high-risk assets and workflows enables the tester to focus on actual vulnerabilities and security threats.
Familiar with Network Infrastructure:
Penetration testers must understand the network infrastructure elements such as witches, firewalls, routers, WAPs, and protocols based on TCP/ IP and DNS. Moreover, a grip on security protocols such as ACLs (Access Control Lists), VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), and IDS (Intrusion Detection System) increases the efficiency and effectiveness of tests. Penetration testers must know various cyber security attacks to exploit the network infrastructure. Understanding common attacks such as DoS, DDoS, SQL Injection XSS, and MITM enables the penetration tester to identify network flaws and weaknesses and develop strategies.
Knowledge of Principles of Ethical Hacking:
A deep understanding of the principles of ethical hacking enables the penetration tester to analyze, identify, and mitigate network flaws and expected security breaches. Ethical hacking is real-time hacking of systems, networks, and databases. Ethical hacking involves cyber-attacking the networks or systems to evaluate the security protocols and identify potential security flaws. It helps build robust security protocols and protects the business’s assets. Ethical hacking helps in making systems and security protocols more solid and practical. Most businesses test and improve their business through ethical hacking.
Grip on Different Types of Security Testing:
Penetration testers must have a grip on various types of security tests, including web testing, vulnerability assessment, and network penetration testing. Vulnerability assessment is based on identifying system weaknesses and flows in the system. Unauthorized persons could exploit these flaws. Web application testing involves identifying the flaws of web applications such as SQL and APIs. Network penetration tests involve the attempt to access different parts of systems through different sources and methods.
Use of Exploit Framework and Techniques:
Penetration testers must have a grip on exploit frameworks, including Metasploit and Kali Linux, to access different security protocols. Metasploit examines firewalls, servers, and routers for possible cyber attacks. Furthermore, a grip on famous exploitation skills, including cross-site and buffer overflow attacks, enables the tester to identify potential security flaws in the system.
Up-to-date knowledge of Security Threats and Developments:
Having updated knowledge about security threats, development, and trends for effective penetration testing is essential. Penetration testers must know the latest security threats and malware that cause breaches of security protocols. Knowledge of these security threats and developments will enable penetration testers to analyze the systems and networks efficiently and identify security flaws. This procedure helps in developing robust and updated security protocols.
Strong Reporting Skills:
Accurate reporting is the second most crucial step after accessing and analyzing the systems, security protocols, and security flaws. Reports must be comprehensive and cover all areas, including system infrastructure, an overview of all tests performed on a system, and identified security flaws. Furthermore, these reports must include the solutions, strategies, and remedies to protect against expected attacks. Strong reporting skills allow the management to understand system flaws, expected threats, and remedies to secure from expected attacks.
Professional Certifications:
Professional Certification also plays a vital role in enhancing the penetration skills of testers. Such certifications enable the testers to understand the prevailing security threats. It equips the penetration testers with advanced skills and increases their efficiency. OSCP (OffSec Certified Professional) is a general penetration testing certification. PNPT (Practical Network penetration Tester) is a highly demanded professional Certification. These certifications increase the knowledge base of testers and make them successful in the field. eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester v2 is best for newcomers. These are multiple professional certifications, including CRET Registered Penetration Tester, SANS GIAC Cloud Penetration Tester, and CompTIA Pentest+ for managers and team leaders.
Networking with other Penetration Testers
The networking of professionals is essential in every field. However, in penetration testing, networking is inevitable. Networking with another professional in the field provides an excellent opportunity to learn about prevailing security threats, cyber-attacks, and advanced security protocols. Networking increases access to updated information and enables penetration testers to use this information for developing advanced models and mitigating risks. There are multiple online forums available for penetration testers where they can meet. It helps them to share knowledge, skills, and ideas.
Conclusion
Penetration testing is a professional job based on multiple skills, including extensive network knowledge, web application technologies, and scripting skills. It is also essential to have a grip on identifying potential security threats and cyber attacks with different tools and techniques. Penetration testers must be certified to analyze the systems and networks and develop robust security protocols. Professional penetration testers must have a grip on comprehensive and accurate reporting to prepare Reports. Having up-to-date knowledge of prevailing security threats and security development also enhances the efficiency of penetrating testing. These skills are essential for a penetration tester to be successful in the field.