A guide to pen testing types: What they are and why you need them

Penetration testing, also known as pen testing or ethical hacking, is a crucial component of any organization's cybersecurity strategy. It involves simulating real-world attacks to identify vulnerabilities in a system, network, or application. There are different types of pen testing, each serving a specific purpose. In this article, we'll explore the various types of pen testing and their importance. We'll also discuss how to prepare for a pen testing engagement.

Section 1: Types of penetration testing

1. Network penetration testing: This type of pen testing involves identifying vulnerabilities in an organization's network infrastructure, including firewalls, routers, and switches.

2. Web application penetration testing: This type of pen testing focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in web applications, such as e-commerce websites and online portals.

3. Wireless penetration testing: This type of pen testing involves identifying vulnerabilities in wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi networks.

4. Social engineering penetration testing: This type of pen testing involves simulating social engineering attacks, such as phishing emails, to test an organization's security awareness and response.

Section 2: Why you need different types of penetration testing

Each type of pen testing is designed to identify vulnerabilities specific to its area of focus. For example, a network penetration test can identify vulnerabilities in an organization's network infrastructure, while a web application penetration test can identify vulnerabilities in web applications. Conducting multiple types of pen testing can provide a comprehensive view of an organization's security posture and help identify vulnerabilities that might otherwise be missed.

Section 3: How to prepare for a penetration testing engagement

Preparing for a penetration testing engagement involves several steps, including:

1. Defining the scope and objectives of the engagement.
2. Identifying the assets to be tested and their criticality.
3. Choosing a reputable and experienced pen testing provider.
4. Ensuring that all stakeholders are aware of the engagement and its scope.
5. Providing the pen testing provider with all necessary information and access to the organization's systems.

Penetration testing is an essential tool for identifying vulnerabilities in an organization's systems, networks, and applications. There are different types of pen testing, each serving a specific purpose. By conducting multiple types of pen testing and preparing for a pen testing engagement, organizations can improve their security posture, reduce the risk of cyber-attacks, and protect their data and systems from unauthorized access.

If you want to learn more about penetration testing or need help selecting the right type for your organization, contact us today to speak with one of our experts.