Penetration Testing - FAQ
Pentest FAQ
Penetration Testing - FAQ
What is a penetration test?
A penetration test (or "pen test") is a simulated cyberattack on a system, network, or application designed to identify security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. It helps organizations understand their security posture and strengthen defenses.
What is a penetration test?
A penetration test (or "pen test") is a simulated cyberattack on a system, network, or application designed to identify security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. It helps organizations understand their security posture and strengthen defenses.
Why do I need a penetration test?
Pen tests uncover hidden security flaws before attackers find them, ensuring you can address issues proactively. They also help satisfy regulatory requirements (e.g., SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA) and boost customer trust.
Why do I need a penetration test?
Pen tests uncover hidden security flaws before attackers find them, ensuring you can address issues proactively. They also help satisfy regulatory requirements (e.g., SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA) and boost customer trust.
How is a penetration test different from a vulnerability scan?
Vulnerability Scan: Automated process that identifies known vulnerabilities. Penetration Test: Human-led simulation that actively exploits vulnerabilities to understand real-world risk and impact.
How is a penetration test different from a vulnerability scan?
Vulnerability Scan: Automated process that identifies known vulnerabilities. Penetration Test: Human-led simulation that actively exploits vulnerabilities to understand real-world risk and impact.
What types of penetration tests are there?
External Network Test: Targets systems exposed to the internet. Internal Network Test: Simulates an attacker with insider access. Web Application Test: Focuses on website or web app vulnerabilities. Wireless Network Test: Checks for weaknesses in Wi-Fi security. Social Engineering Test: Assesses susceptibility to phishing or manipulation. Physical Penetration Test: Tests physical access controls.
What types of penetration tests are there?
External Network Test: Targets systems exposed to the internet. Internal Network Test: Simulates an attacker with insider access. Web Application Test: Focuses on website or web app vulnerabilities. Wireless Network Test: Checks for weaknesses in Wi-Fi security. Social Engineering Test: Assesses susceptibility to phishing or manipulation. Physical Penetration Test: Tests physical access controls.
How often should a penetration test be performed?
At least once a year or after significant changes to infrastructure, applications, or policies. Highly regulated industries may require more frequent testing.
How often should a penetration test be performed?
At least once a year or after significant changes to infrastructure, applications, or policies. Highly regulated industries may require more frequent testing.
Will a penetration test disrupt my operations?
Professional penetration testers plan tests carefully to minimize disruption. Non-intrusive methods are often used in production environments, while more aggressive testing may be done in staging or test systems.
Will a penetration test disrupt my operations?
Professional penetration testers plan tests carefully to minimize disruption. Non-intrusive methods are often used in production environments, while more aggressive testing may be done in staging or test systems.
Can penetration testing guarantee security?
No test can guarantee absolute security. However, penetration testing significantly reduces risk by finding and fixing weaknesses before attackers can exploit them.
Can penetration testing guarantee security?
No test can guarantee absolute security. However, penetration testing significantly reduces risk by finding and fixing weaknesses before attackers can exploit them.