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In the vast universe of cybersecurity, Pentest plays a crucial role in identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in systems and networks. This is because these assessments simulate real attacks , allowing companies and organizations to strengthen their defenses against cyber threats.
Global trends only prove this importance: according to Google predictions , attacks on multicloud , for example, will be more sophisticated and efficient in 2024.
Recent attack attempts have proven that threat actors are targeting cloud environments, looking for ways to establish persistence and move laterally.
So, in this article, we will explore the three main Pentest methodologies that security professionals use to assess the resilience of systems and networks. Discover how each of these approaches works, their advantages, and how they can be applied to ensure the robustness of digital systems.
Good reading!
What is Pentest?
Pentest , or penetration test, is a tool for evaluating the security of a system or network that simulates cyber attacks . Therefore, the goal is to identify and fix vulnerabilities before malicious attackers can exploit them.
Why is it so important for companies today?
Pentest acts as an effective means of assessing the robustness of an organization's cybersecurity . By simulating attacks that malicious hackers could carry out, it helps identify and patch vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
This allows companies to strengthen their defenses against cybersecurity incidents, which can result in significant financial losses, reputational damage and sensitive data breaches.
Additionally, a well-executed Pentest can help organizations meet regulatory requirements and maintain the trust of their customers and partners by ensuring that their information is protected.
This importance also extends to developing a deeper understanding of a company's incident response capabilities. By revealing how defenses react to an attack, Pentest provides insights that can be used to improve security policies, incident response procedures, and security awareness training for employees.
The 3 most used Pentest methodologies
In the current scenario, there are 3 main methodologies that lead the use of Pentest globally. They are the OWASP Testing Guide, PTES and NIST SP 800-115. Let’s look at each of them below:
OWASP Testing Guide
This is a methodology that provides a framework for web application security, ranging from open port testing to fuzzing . The guide is essential for identifying vulnerabilities and meeting compliance requirements.
Overview
The OWASP Testing Guide is essential for cyber professionals, as we have seen, it offers a structured approach to testing and improving the security of web applications .
It involves several methodologies and specific tests, including checking open ports that can be a gateway for attacks, and the practice of fuzzing , which seeks to expose flaws and vulnerabilities in the processing of unexpected or malformed data.
Benefits
Using the OWASP Testing Guide brings several advantages, such as strengthening web application security by identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities .
It also helps organizations comply with compliance requirements, thereby minimizing legal and financial risks related to cybersecurity. Furthermore, this methodology is constantly updated , reflecting new threats and trends in the world of information security.
PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard)
PTES offers a comprehensive and detailed method for performing effective penetration testing. It establishes a clear process from planning to reporting, ensuring that all phases of penetration testing are executed accurately and within the agreed scope.
Overview
This test defines a normative methodology for performing penetration tests. It segments the process into several phases, thus ensuring complete coverage of safety-critical areas. These phases range from pre-engagement and intelligence gathering to vulnerability exploration and exploit .
Benefits
By following PTES, organizations benefit from a standardized approach that increases the chances of efficiently detecting and remediating security breaches. One of the main advantages of PTES is the fact that it promotes a set of testing practices that result in detailed and accurate reports, essential for the continuous improvement of security posture.
NIST SP 800-115
The NIST SP 800-115 guide is an essential resource for organizations looking to improve their information security testing and assessment practices. It provides detailed guidance for performing technical security testing.
Overview
NIST SP 800-115 serves as a technical manual intended to guide organizations in planning, executing, and analyzing information security tests. Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the document addresses penetration testing and vulnerability assessment , including scanning techniques and risk mitigation strategies.
Benefits
Adopting NIST SP 800-115 offers significant advantages for information security governance. It provides a standardized framework that ensures a consistent approach to identifying and resolving vulnerabilities. The emphasis on a systematic methodology for vulnerability scanning and subsequent analysis results in a deeper understanding of security risks, enabling organizations to improve their security policies and procedures.
Pentest: how to choose the ideal methodology?
Pentest methodology , several variables must be considered by companies. The objective is to ensure that security vulnerabilities are identified and can be corrected efficiently, protecting the IT infrastructure against possible attacks.
Check out:
1. Knowledge of the environment
As a first step, it is important to understand the environment in which the Pentest will be carried out. If it is a web application, for example, the methodology centered on this type of platform may be more effective.
Another example is internal infrastructure vs. external : the methodology may vary depending on whether the focus is on internal systems or those accessible via the internet.
2. Tools and skills
Tool selection is essential, and they must align with the skills of the team responsible for testing. Combining automated tools and manual techniques can provide a more complete picture of vulnerabilities.
- Automated: for quick and broad scanning;
- Manuals: for a more in-depth and specific test.
3. Capacity-Based Performance
Pentest must be able to measure defense performance against actual intrusion attempts. To achieve this, the choice of methodology must take into account success metrics that reflect defense abilities in realistic scenarios.
Check out a brief description of the most common approaches:
- White box: full knowledge of the system is provided to testers;
- Black box: no prior knowledge is given, emulating an external attacker;
- Gray box: with partial knowledge, simulates an attack with limited information.
Implementation and best practices
The effectiveness of a Pentest strongly depends on the methodology implemented and the practices adopted . Therefore, detailed planning and careful execution are essential to efficiently identify vulnerabilities and minimize risks in web applications and other systems.
How to implement a Pentest methodology
To implement a Pentest methodology, it is important to establish a clear structure that includes the scope of the test , the objectives and the tools to be used.
Therefore, it is necessary to start with the definition of objectives and scope, which will determine what will be tested, such as web applications or internal networks. Proper team training is equally important, ensuring that the professionals involved have the skills and training to conduct the tests.
Best Practices for Conducting an Effective Pentest
For your Pentest to be effective, consider the following practices:
- Detailed planning: as we saw, before starting a Pentest, it is necessary to have a plan that details all the steps. This involves everything from preparing the team to choosing the tools;
- Constant communication: communication between team members and stakeholders is crucial to the success of Pentest;
- Repeated testing: Pentest should be an iterative process, repeating tests at different times to ensure that previously undetected faults are identified;
- Adaptation to the technologies used: an efficient Pentest must be adapted to the type of technology used, thus ensuring better test coverage.
Importance of documentation and reports
Documentation and reporting are key components of this process. They serve not only to record findings, but also to provide evidence of vulnerabilities found and mitigation recommendations.
Detailed documentation should include all vulnerabilities discovered, as well as the steps taken during testing. Reports must present information in a clear and objective manner, making it easier for stakeholders and implement corrective actions.
Safe and effective Pentest: count on Skyone
Is your business really safe? Now that you know the main Pentest methodologies, be one step ahead of attackers, correcting vulnerabilities and mitigating risks!
Skyone Pentest is based on a deep understanding of attack techniques, known and unknown vulnerabilities, and how cybercriminals can exploit them.
Our experts proactively check whether there are loopholes to access your confidential information, the possibility of denial of services, the hijacking of data for the purpose of demanding ransom and much more.
Learn more about how our platform truly protects your business!
Conclusion
The reality is that sensitive data, when exposed, can result in irreparable harm to companies. Therefore, the inclusion of Pentest within the software and the periodic maintenance of security analyzes are essential proactive measures for incident prevention .
Regularly implementing penetration testing is a strategy that significantly contributes to an organization's resilience in the face of constantly evolving digital threats. It is essential to ensure that security practices are efficient and up to date, reflecting the commitment to protecting vital assets.
Take advantage of our knowledge trail and learn everything about Pentest in a special guide!
