5 Qualities of a Good Penetration Test

As a cybersecurity professional, I have conducted countless penetration tests throughout my career. While each test is unique, there are certain qualities that make a penetration test successful. In this article, I will discuss the five qualities of a good penetration test, including the difference between vulnerability assessments and penetration tests, understanding the types of penetration testing, identifying the qualities of a good penetration test, and the importance of remediation.

Difference between Vulnerability Assessment vs Penetration Test

Before diving into the qualities of a good penetration test, it is important to understand the difference between a vulnerability assessment and a penetration test. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are two separate processes.

Vulnerability Assessment

A vulnerability assessment is a process that scans a system or network for vulnerabilities. The objective of a vulnerability assessment is to diagnose the weaknesses that could be exploited by an attacker. This process often involves using automated tools to scan a system or network for known vulnerabilities.

Penetration Testing

Penetration testing, on the other hand, is an active process that goes beyond a vulnerability assessment. A penetration test involves attempting to exploit vulnerabilities to gain access to a system or network. The objective of a penetration test is to single out the vulnerabilities and provide recommendations for remediation.

Let’s walk through the Types of Penetration Testing

There are different types of penetration testing that are designed to focus uniquely. Understanding the different types of penetration testing is important when determining the scope of a test.

Internal Testing

Internal testing involves testing a network or system from within. This type of testing is often conducted by an insider, such as an employee or contractor, who has been given access to the network or system.

External Testing

External testing involves testing a network or system from outside the organization. This type of testing is often conducted by a third party vendor and simulates an outside attacker attempting to gain access to the network or system.

ICS Penetration Testing

Industrial Control System (ICS) penetration testing involves testing the security of systems that control critical infrastructure, such as power plants and water treatment facilities. This type of testing is important for ensuring the safety and security of these critical systems.

Cloud Penetration Testing

Cloud penetration testing involves testing the security of cloud based systems and applications. This type of testing is becoming increasingly important as more organizations move their applications and data to the cloud.

Web App Penetration Testing

Web app penetration testing includes the testing of the security of web applications. This type of testing is important for ensuring that customer data and other sensitive information is protected from attackers.

Mobile App Penetration Testing

Mobile app penetration testing involves testing the security of mobile applications. This type of testing is becoming increasingly important as more organizations develop mobile apps for their employees and customers.

Pinpoint the qualities of a good penetration test

Now that we understand the different types of penetration testing, let's discuss the qualities of a good penetration test.

Certifications

One of the most important qualities of a good penetration test is the certification of the testers. A good penetration test should be conducted by a team of certified professionals who have experience in conducting penetration tests.

Project Scope

Another important quality of a good penetration test is the project scope. The scope of the project should be clearly defined before the test begins. This includes identifying the systems and applications that will be tested and the rules of engagement.

Rules of Engagement (RoE)

The rules of engagement (RoE) are a set of guidelines that outline what the testers can and cannot do during the test. The RoE should be agreed upon by both the testers and the organization before the test begins.

Reports

A good penetration test should include a detailed report that outlines the vulnerabilities that were identified and recommendations for remediation. The report should be easy to understand and provide actionable recommendations for improving the security of the organization.

Your Role

Finally, it is important to understand your role in the penetration testing process. As the organization being tested, it is important to provide the testers with the information they need to conduct a thorough test. This includes providing access to systems and applications and answering any questions they may have.

Learn about remediation?

Identifying vulnerabilities is only half the battle. A good penetration test should also provide recommendations for remediation. It is important to work with the testers to develop a plan for addressing the vulnerabilities that were identified during the test.

Worth the money!

A good penetration test can be expensive, but it is worth the investment. By identifying vulnerabilities and providing recommendations for remediation, a penetration test can help improve the overall security of an organization. To get the most value out of a penetration test, it is important to work with a certified team and to clearly define the scope of the project.

In conclusion, a good penetration test is an important part of any organization's cybersecurity strategy. By understanding the difference between vulnerability assessments and penetration tests, the different types of penetration testing, and the qualities of a good penetration test, organizations can improve their overall security posture. Remember, the goal of a penetration test is to identify vulnerabilities and provide recommendations for remediation. By working with a certified team and clearly defining the scope of the project, organizations can get the most value out of their penetration testing investment.