Fact: Every Business Should Conduct an Annual Penetration Test
During a penetration test, the assessors play the role of a cybersecurity adversary. They use the same hacking tools and techniques and adopt the mindset of an attacker trying to break into the organization’s network. This provides valuable information to cybersecurity professionals, who don’t often get to take a step back and view their own systems and services from the perspective of a trained attacker. The purpose of the test is to identify vulnerabilities in the organization’s infrastructure that might not be detected by automated vulnerability scans and provide the cybersecurity team with information that can help improve existing controls.
Fallacy: Automated Vulnerability Scans are Obsolete
Organizations that conduct periodic penetration tests might be tempted to view those tests as stronger and more sophisticated than automated vulnerability scanning. While that’s true, penetration tests don’t replace automated vulnerability scans. These scans can quickly and accurately test thousands of systems for thousands of different vulnerabilities, and they can rerun those scans on a weekly basis without ever getting bored or tired. There’s just no way that any penetration testing team could keep up with that pace. In fact, penetration testers often use automated vulnerability scans as a starting point for their own assessments, helping them to identify the initial vulnerabilities they will exploit as they try to gain a foothold on an organization’s network.
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Fallacy: Only Legally Required Assessments are Needed
Organizations that rely solely on legal requirements to guide their cybersecurity assessments may be laboring under a false sense of security. While regulatory compliance provides a minimum level of security, it does not necessarily address all potential threats and vulnerabilities. Regular cybersecurity assessments and exercises, including penetration testing and vulnerability scans, can help organizations identify potential weaknesses in their security controls and mitigate risks before they become significant problems. By taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity, organizations can protect their data and reputations, minimize the risk of costly data breaches, and ensure that they remain competitive in an increasingly security-conscious marketplace.