The year 2020 saw the highest number of cyber attack reports, as hackers are taking advantage of this remote working environment. That’s why it’s important now more than ever to stay vigilant on potential cyber vulnerabilities. 

Below, we’ll talk about what penetration testing is, and why it’s important for your cyber security strategy. 

What is penetration testing? 

Also referred to as ‘pen tests’, these are intentional (but controlled) cyberattacks that give you an idea of how secure your network or system is. These should be performed annually, so cybersecurity specialists can determine if there are any vulnerabilities in your networks. The specialists will also be able to provide solutions and advice on how to mitigate risks. This test will provide good insight on how to react should a breach happen.

How does penetration testing work? 

There are four phases of a penetration test:

• Reconnaissance: the person performing the test starts gathering information on your system to prepare for their main attack. 
• Scanning: the target network is connected, and scanning for vulnerabilities begins. 
• Gaining and maintaining access: once information has been gathered, the person performing the tests can start gaining and maintaining access to their target network. Penetration testers work to simulate hackers by adapting to the situation and trying new tactics that will most effectively breach the target system.
• Covering tracks: in this phase, the simulated malicious software goes into action, working to identify valuable data that could be extracted from the target network. Once enough data has been gathered, the tester has to cover their tracks and remove any signs of their breach.

Do I need a penetration test? 

Some companies require penetration testing to stay in compliance with the industry’s regulations. But even if it’s not required, penetration testing should be at the top of your priority list if  you want to improve cybersecurity. It’s the best way to understand any detriments that could occur should a real cyberattack happen.

What does penetration mean for remote workers? 

With so many teams remote working, IT departments can struggle to understand threats in this new working environment. And when there’s not an IT department on hand, workers could put themselves at risk because they aren’t educated on cybersecurity best practices. These types of tests are crucial for home networks because they’re less protected than a corporate network. It will provide better visibility for employees and the IT department, and have action items on how to mitigate them. It’s important to note that penetration testing should not be your only cybersecurity prevention tool. It’s only a part of your overall cybersecurity plan. 

If your business needs some help in preventing cybersecurity attacks, Thinline Technologies is here for you. We offer a variety of IT consulting services and can put your business in the best position to avoid potential threats. Contact us today.