Penetration testing, or in simple terms, pen testing, is the preventive measure that employs auditors to launch simulated attacks on the network system or application to find out the weaknesses that could be exploited by the hackers. This is an overview of the target system, the weaknesses in the system, and how far they can be exploited. Pen testing is regarded as a crucial component in the process of protecting organizations’ valuable assets in the context of evolving threats. Hence, different organizations use various Types of Penetration Testing to maintain the security of their system against any kind of threat.
The approach to penetration testing can be categorized into three main types. It mainly consists of three types of testing which are black box testing, white box testing, and grey box testing. It is used in scenarios where the tester does not know anything about the system and this more or less resembles an attack scenario.
This type of testing is carried out by a tester who has complete details of the system and includes knowledge of the source code and architectural features of the system. The grey box testing is in-between, where the tester knows very little but sufficient enough to be a threat from within with some level of access. Based on these broad approaches, there are various Types of Penetration Testing.
The pen testing process, contrary to being an ad hoc activity, has a general framework that includes the planning and reconnaissance phase to determine the objectives and the details about the target. Next, continuous probing is used to find out the vulnerabilities that can be attacked, obtain access to the target system, and then exemplify real attacks to remain in the target system. First, some data from the questionnaire is shown, followed by the analysis, and finally, recommendations on how to carry out remediation are given.
Besides resulting in the identification of the security weaknesses and their fixes, penetration testing also increases the comprehension of security measures in the organization. Penetration testing is a requirement of all big and small organizations now.
The threat of cyber attacks is looming over our head continuously. Thus, one needs to ensure that their systems are always kept safe from any kind of impending danger. Hence, one should implement the Types of Penetration Testing from time to time, to keep their system in check.
Approaches to Penetration Testing
Before one delves into the Types of Penetration Testing, we have to understand that there are three distinct approaches to penetration testing. These approaches can also be termed testing styles, and they refer to the quantity of information that is shared before the engagement.
Depending on this, there are three approaches to penetration testing, namely the white box, black box, and grey box penetration testing.
White Box
This is also called crystal or oblique box pen testing. In this type of Penetration Testing, one needs to share all the information with the tester. This includes sharing information about the network, the maps, and even the sensitive credentials.
This type of penetration testing is used to attack a specific target on a specific system. Hence, it utilizes as many vectors as possible. One of the biggest advantages of white box penetration testing is that it reduces the time spent and increases the efficiency of the work done.
Black Box
In this Types of Penetration Testing, the tester is not given any information at all. Here, the tester works as an unprivileged attacker, who has to go through all the initial stages of security and then also find out the faults in the system.
Without doubt, the black box method is the most expensive form of penetration testing. This is also the most authentic form of penetration testing, as the pen tester is able to demonstrate whether an attacker without any information in hand will be able to breach the security of the system.
Grey Box
This is also called the translucent box test. In this type of Penetration Testing, as well, very little information is shared with the tester. This type of testing helps the organization to understand how a privileged hacker might gain access to the system. Thus, in this way, they are able to comprehend the amount of damage such a hacker might do to their system.
This type of Penetration Testing is a balance between the two extremes of black box and white box.
Types of Penetration Testing
There are several kinds of cyber security penetration tests, which one can avail to test the usefulness of their system. Some of these tests are
Network Penetration Testing
In this Types of Penetration Testing, the tester runs an assessment of the system’s internal and external penetration network. Thus, there is a testing of the cloud network infrastructure, firewalls, routers and switches. This Types of Penetration Testing can be either internal or external – one can work on the assets inside the corporate network or carry out an external penetration test.
Thus, one needs to know the number of internal and external IPs that need to be tested along with the network subnet size and number of sites.
Social Engineering Penetration Testing
This can be defined as a clever trick to persuade a user of the website to give up their sensitive information such as username and password. This type of pen testing can be carried out by incorporating the methods of phishing attacks, tailgating, pre-texting and name dropping among others.
According to a recent study, it has been proven that 98% cyber threats fall back on social engineering. As users are gullible and easily fall for the lucrative scams, they tend to be the biggest threats to a network’s security.
Thus, these social engineering tests and awareness programs or workshops tend to be useful in inculcating effective methods to stand against such attacks.
Wireless Penetration Testing
Quite simply put, in this Types of Penetration Testing the tester has to identify and examine all the connections in the business establishment, which are connected to the internet service of the business. The devices can include laptops, smartphones, iPads, and tablets.
This kind of testing is mostly carried out onsite. This is because the tester needs to be available on the spot to be in range of the wireless signal so that they can access it.
Why Should Penetration Testing Be Done?
- This will help organizations to find their vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Thus, they shall be motivated to find solutions for these problems and mitigate them.
- Keeping the data of an organization safe is the utmost priority. Thus, such types of testing from time to time ensures the protection of the system.
Conclusion
Thus, the different Types of Penetration Testing exist so that the testers can check the various levels of data breach that can take place in the organization. Penetration testing is an important activity that should be carried out in any organization that desires to deal with security threats. It assists in the determination of risks, and their management not only shields an organization against legendary security threats and gives it a method through which it can address regulatory necessities and enhance its capability to react to occurrences, but it also safeguards the reputation and monetary steadiness of an organization. To keep up with emerging threats, penetration testing plays a critical role in an organization’s security plan to keep itself secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is white box testing also called?
It is known as opaque or crystal box testing.
Is all information shared for grey box testing?
No, limited information is shared for grey box testing.
Meta-Description: The Types of Penetration Testing helping to figure the problems differs according to the amount of information, which is provided to the tester by the organization.
Also Read:
Penetration Testing to Protect Your Company’s Information
Penetration Testing: Securing the Future of IT Security Through AI
