The fact is that we are increasingly dependent on systems. The threats associated with cyberattacks are becoming more real. For both companies and public institutions, one of the key elements of data and IT system protection is penetration testing, also known as “pentests.” What lies behind this term, how does such a process work, and why is it an indispensable element of cybersecurity?
What are penetration tests?
Penetration tests are controlled and planned simulated attacks on a system, application, or infrastructure, allowing us to discover weak points, security gaps, or configuration errors that could be exploited by cybercriminals. These tests are conducted by specialized teams of security experts, known as “pentesters,” who simulate hacker actions, attempting to break into systems in an ethical manner without causing harm. It is important to note that conducting tests on systems without the owner’s consent and knowledge is prohibited 😊.
What does the penetration testing process look like step by step?
The penetration testing process consists of several stages aimed at thoroughly analyzing the security of the tested system:
1. Information Gathering
The first step is to gather as much data as possible about the test target. Pen testers use OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) tools to find publicly available information about the infrastructure, servers, software, and IP addresses.
2. Scanning
In this phase, network and system scans are conducted to identify open ports, services running on servers, and potential security vulnerabilities. This helps determine which services are susceptible to known attacks or have misconfigurations.
3. Exploitation
This phase of testing involves actively attacking the identified weaknesses. Pen testers attempt to exploit the vulnerabilities discovered in step 2 to gain access to the system, take control of user accounts, steal data, or install malware.
4. Privilege Escalation and Maintaining Access
After gaining access, pen testers often take actions to elevate their privileges within the system and check whether they can maintain access for an extended period without detection. This scenario reflects real threats when cybercriminals try to gain control over the entire system or network.
5. Reporting and Recommendations
After the penetration tests are completed, a detailed report is prepared, describing all identified vulnerabilities, actions taken, and their results. A key part of the report includes recommendations for strengthening security, fixing vulnerabilities, and implementing safeguards.
Why are penetration tests important?
In today’s digital world, threats from cyberattacks are inevitable. Regularly conducting penetration tests is crucial for several reasons:
- Preventing Costly Incidents
Cyberattacks, especially successful ones, can be extremely costly for companies—not only financially but also reputationally. Data theft, system breaches, and operational downtimes can lead to losses in the millions or even billions of dollars. Penetration tests help detect potential threats early and prevent them before they become real problems. - Protecting Sensitive Data
Companies store vast amounts of data, including personal, financial, commercial, and trade secrets. The loss of such information or its leakage to unauthorized individuals can have catastrophic consequences. Penetration tests help secure this data by identifying vulnerabilities through which it could be stolen. - Advancing Cyber Defense
The world of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, as are the threats. Penetration tests provide companies with the opportunity to monitor new attack methods and assess whether their systems are prepared for the latest techniques used by cybercriminals. - Increasing Employee Awareness
Penetration tests can also highlight weaknesses in security policies and gaps arising from employee unawareness. Actions such as sending fake phishing emails trainings allow testing whether staff can recognize social engineering attack attempts.
Summary
Penetration testing is a key component of every organization’s security strategy. They enable early detection and elimination of vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals. With the increasing number of cyberattacks and increasingly complex threats, regularly conducting pentests is becoming a necessity. It is an investment in security that minimizes risk, protects data, and helps meet regulatory requirements.
