Network Penetration Testing: Strategies for Securing Your Network

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Network Penetration Testing Explained: Strategies for Securing Your Network

Blog

Prancer
July 31, 2024

There is no luxury today in the digital world when it comes to security; it is a must-have. Applying security measures, particularly securing the networks from access by unauthorized persons, is an important factor for business and organizations that wish to protect their data. This is where the network penetration testing comes into play. But what is network penetration testing and why should your organization be concerned with it? Also, how can Prancer, which offers premium cybersecurity solutions, assist you in managing such a vital factor in IT protection? Let’s dive in.

What is the process of performing Network Penetration Testing?

Network penetration testing can therefore be described as an emulation of an attack on one’s computer network/ system to establish the areas of weakness that hackers can possibly exploit. It might be likened to what is often referred to as the ‘white hat’ penetration testing, a kind of hacking that is not unlawful but is rather performed to test the security of a system. This testing is normally done by hackers who have been given the mandate to test the security of your network, commonly referred to as pen testers or ethical hackers.

Just like how a burglar may first try to assess your home security in order to look for a way to break in, penetration testers do the same but for your network. The objective is not only to identify these weaknesses but will also let you know how a hacker might exploit them and how they can be resolved.

Why is Network Penetration Testing Important

With more and more cases of data leaks reported, network penetration testing has become one of the most crucial activities. It enables organizations to address existing vulnerabilities and avoid security dissemination by invaders before they access them. If penetration testing is not conducted regularly, your organization may be making it easy for hackers to infiltrate your network.

Picture yourself opening the door of your house and not locking it as you go out. Just because there are no burglars within the house yet, it does not imply there is no problem. The same principle works with the network of your company. Thus, when you conduct security checks, you will know for certain that all of your ‘digital doors’ are securely closed.

Different styles of network penetration testing

External Testing: This mostly concerns items that are already on the World Wide Web: the web application, the company’s website, and e-mail servers.
Internal Testing: This mimics an attack by an insider that has access to the network, for example, a disgruntled employee. It assists in determining what an attacker can accomplish when he has insider information.
Blind Testing: In this case, the penetration tester is only provided with limited information of the target being tested. This method copies the actions of a real attacker who may have very little idea about the system’s network.
Double-Blind Testing: Here, the organization’s IT team does not know that a test is being carried out. This checks how sensitive your security team is together with the effectiveness of the network’s protection.
Targeted Testing: In this approach, the penetration tester and the organization’s IT department engage in a partnership. This can be as actual training process for IT teams which can gain information on the attack process in real time.

The following are the steps that are usually followed in network penetration testing:

Conducting a network penetration test involves several key steps:

Planning and Reconnaissance: The tester learns about the target network so that he or she can know how the network functions and its weaknesses.
Scanning: This involves tools that help determine open ports, services and areas of entry into the network.
Gaining Access: The tester attempts to break into the identified weaknesses in a bid to corrupt the network. This could involve things like SQL injection, cross-site scripting and or exploitation of unpatched programs.
Maintaining Access: After gaining access the tester tries to check how long he or she can persist in the system undetected.
Analysis and Reporting: The tester then prepares a report of the observation and the exploitation of the weaknesses and the effects it will bring to the firm. Recommendations for correcting the vulnerabilities are also given.
Remediation and Re-Testing: In addition to that, once an organization has dealt with the many vulnerabilities then a re-test is usually performed to confirm that the problems have been fixed in the right manner.

Some of the common vulnerabilities that can be identified when testing is;

Unpatched Software: Cybercriminals enter using old software Since its inception, the use of old software is one of the principal ways that hackers get into a network.

Weak Passwords: This is because mostly used or simple passwords are very easy to decode by hackers.

Misconfigured Firewalls: As much as the settings can help in protecting the network, the wrong settings have a way of exposing the network.

Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks: Wireless networks are vulnerable since they often have either poor or no encryption.

Inadequate Encryption: Personal data security can be compromised by poor encryption.

Knowing these vulnerabilities is a good thing but addressing them is much better. This is where a strong plan for perpetual security, as an example, the automated penetration testing comes in handy.

Automated Penetration Testing: SECURITY IN THE FUTURE

This is true since the threats associated with cybercrime are constantly changing, and therefore the measures must also change as well. Automated penetration testing can be defined as a relatively new technology that incorporates advanced penetration testing techniques and tools to constantly assess the effectiveness of the protection mechanisms that are used in networks.

This approach also enhances the frequency of testing as well as the general testing velocity, providing an opportunity to catch the flaws as soon as possible. Overall, automated penetration testing is a blessing to firms such as Prancer since their clients are always safeguarded without requiring frequent attention.

Prancer’s automated testing solutions complement your existing security posture, providing live information and alerts to your team. This means that if, for instance, there is no planned penetration test, your network is checked repeatedly to determine the existing threats.

The Need for Penetration Testing in Networking and the Function of Prancer

In terms of innovation, Prancer is one of the leading solutions for network penetration testing. Prancer has traditionally and recently provided services of penetration testing unique to the clients’ needs and requirements.

Thus, Prancer’s approach is comprehensive, time-oriented and easy to navigate for the end user. Their team of specialists directly engages your organization with the aim of scanning all facets of the network. Whether you are using conventional practice or the latest technological practices, we at Prancer intend to be your partner in protecting you from the ever-lurking threats.

Also, Prancer’s penetration testing services are offered along with other cybersecurity services, meaning your organization is covered from all angles as the threat level continues to rise on the internet.

Advantages of Network Penetration Testing

Investing in network penetration testing offers numerous benefits:

Identifying Vulnerabilities: The first advantage is that you can identify areas of your network that have vulnerabilities before the hacker gets to exploit it.

Preventing Data Breaches: When adjusted, it is possible to avoid the leakage of customers’ information and subsequent adverse effects on the company’s balance sheet.

Ensuring Compliance: These days, most industries have set their rules and regulations with respect to data protection. This is why frequent penetration testing is important so that you are always in compliance.

Improving Security Policies: Security testing can be used to identify weaknesses in the current policy and then used to enhance the current policies.

Boosting Customer Confidence: It is crucial to show that you are devoted to cybersecurity because it can improve your capacity to attract new customers.

Difficulties in Conducting Penetration Testing on a Network

While network penetration testing is crucial, it’s not without its challenges:

Resource Intensive: Testing could take a lot of time and could need many resources especially if it is done through manual methods.
Complexity: The structures are getting larger and more convoluted and thus they are more difficult to analyse for weaknesses.
Evolving Threats: It is worth noting that threats are dynamic in nature hence the need for the test to be done continuously to be effective.
False Positives: This is true because automated tools may give rise to several false positive results which may cause unnecessary stir or work.
Balancing Security and Usability: The issue of security can sometimes infringe on the usability of the networks; hence, a compromise must be made.

Besides, Prancer comes with both manual and automated features that enable you to conduct a thorough but feasible network penetration testing.

Strategies for Network Penetration Test

To get the most out of your network penetration testing, consider the following best practices:

Plan Ahead: It is very important to state the purpose of the test and the expected outcome. This will make the test to be relevant and efficient.
Use a Mix of Testing Methods: Penetration tests can be divided into external, internal, and automated ones, and it is recommended to use all of them to receive a broad picture of your network’s vulnerability.
Regular Updates: Ensure that the testing tools and methods are current, to correspond to the current cyber threats in the market.
Engage Experts: Consult with professional workers as those employed by Prancer to help in the testing process.
Follow Up: Changes should be made as per the discovered bugs and then re-testing should be done if necessary.

Ready to strengthen your defenses? Book a demo with Prancer today and see our solutions in action!

Conclusion: Prancer – Protection for Your Network

It has become a norm for organizations in the current world to be attacked by hackers or experience cyber threats in general, therefore network penetration testing is a must practice for any organization that cares for their security. It helps prevent data leaks and possible losses, meets the requirements of legislation and preserves customers’ confidence.

In network penetration testing, Prancer has all forms classified under manual network penetration testing and the advanced automated network penetration testing services. Thus, adopting Prancer, you are confident in the stability of your network, and its ability to counter the threats of the contemporary world.