A penetration test, also known as a pen-test, attempts to check the security of an IT infrastructure by identifying and exploiting its vulnerabilities. The tests are conducted using manual or automated techniques to systematically compromise servers, web applications, endpoints, wireless networks, mobile devices, network devices, and other potential exposure points. The results of successful security vulnerability exploitation is collected and shared with IT and network managers, to help identify security issues and to prioritize remediation efforts. The primary aim of penetration testing is to evaluate the feasibility of compromising systems and the consequences that may arise from such incidents.

Benefits of Penetration Testing

Penetration testing provides many benefits, such as:

• Better management of vulnerabilities
• Prevention of network downtime
• Compliance with regulatory requirements and avoidance of penalties
• Protection of corporate reputation and customer loyalty

Employing penetration testing is a proactive approach to protect your network and business from risks of attacks or security breaches. It is essential for organizations to regularly perform pen-tests to identify emerging threats or vulnerabilities that can be used by attackers. In addition to regularly scheduled assessments and analysis, penetration testing is recommended when new infrastructure, applications, or significant upgrades/modifications are applied, new office locations are established, security patches are applied, or end-user policies are modified.

Penetration testing is useful to prioritize remediation, identifying critical and less significant vulnerabilities, and false positives. By proactively identifying these vulnerabilities, your organization can allocate security resources more effectively to ensure their availability when and where required.

Recovering from a security breach can result in significant financial losses for organizations, including IT remediation efforts, customer protection and retention programs, legal activities, and other expenses. Penetration testing can help organizations avoid penalties related to non-compliance by addressing the auditing/compliance aspects of regulations, and demonstrating due diligence to assessors.

Finally, every compromised customer data incident can result in a negative impact on an organization’s reputation and loyalty. Penetration testing can help your organization avoid such incidents and protect your reputation and trustworthiness. Call us today at 888-432-2283 to schedule a Penetration Test.