In an increasingly digitized world, information systems security has become a priority for companies. Penetration testing, or pentesting, is one of the most effective ways of assessing an infrastructure's resilience to cyber-attacks. But what does a penetration test actually involve, and why is it essential?
What exactly is an intrusion test?
A penetration test is a form of security audit that consists in attempting to attack a computer system (network, server, various equipment, etc.) or a web application, using the same tools as a real attacker.
It's a real test of an organization's security, carried out by qualified offensive cybersecurity experts, the main idea being to discover security flaws before they are exploited by cybercriminals.
Beyond simply detecting vulnerabilities, penetration testing aims to attempt to exploit them to assess the potential impact on the organization. This makes it possible to simulate real attack scenarios and measure the reaction capacity of security teams. It also enables more precise recommendations to be made for correcting identified vulnerabilities.
What are the objectives of an intrusion test?
As we have seen, the main objective of a penetration test is to measure the actual security level of an information system or application. The test provides a clear, realistic picture of the weak points that can be exploited by a cybercriminal. It therefore aims to :
- Identify and analyze existing vulnerabilities and configuration flaws.
- Attempt to exploit them to assess the potential impact on the organization.
- Propose concrete recommendations to reinforce security posture.
- Test the reactivity of internal teams in the face of an intrusion.
A pentest is therefore a preventive tool, enabling vulnerabilities to be corrected before they are exploited by malicious parties.
What types of penetration tests are there?
There are several types of penetration test, adapted to different contexts:
- External penetration testing: simulates an attack from the Internet, targeting publicly accessible systems such as servers or firewalls.
- Internal penetration testing: this evaluates the risks of an internal compromise (malicious person connected to the network, malware, etc.) or a malicious employee.
- Web application testing: focuses on vulnerabilities specific to web applications (SQL injections, XSS, etc.).
The different approaches to penetration testing
- Blackbox approach: the auditor has no prior information on the system under test. He/she must discover vulnerabilities like an external attacker.
- Greybox approach: the auditor has user access or partial information on the system. This simulates an internal attack or an actor having compromised a legitimate account.
- Whitebox approach: the auditor has access to all technical information, including source code and documentation. This enables an exhaustive, in-depth analysis.
To find out more about the differences between these approaches, please consult the article we published on the subject.
Steps in a penetration test
A penetration test is generally carried out in the following stages.
Preparation phase
This phase consists of defining the test scope, objectives and constraints. It is essential to define the scope of the test to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding.
Once the scope has been defined, and the commercial proposal accepted, a test mandate is signed, authorizing the auditor to carry out the intrusion test. This document is essential to avoid any ambiguity as to the actions authorized and the systems concerned.
Reconnaissance phase
This phase involves gathering information about the target system. This may include searching for IP addresses, domain names, online services or other relevant data. The aim is to understand the system's architecture and identify potential entry points.
This enables auditors to better target their efforts in subsequent phases.
Vulnerability scanning phase
Once reconnaissance has been completed, the auditor proceeds with a vulnerability scan. This can include the use of automated tools to scan the system for known vulnerabilities, as well as manual scans to identify context-specific vulnerabilities.
The aim is not yet to actually exploit vulnerabilities, but to identify them quickly, so as to cover as wide a perimeter as possible.
Exploitation phase
Once vulnerabilities have been identified, the auditor will attempt to exploit them to assess their impact. This may include remote code execution, access to sensitive data, or system compromise. The aim is to simulate a real attack and measure the reaction capacity of security teams. It also enables more precise recommendations to be made for correcting identified vulnerabilities.
Report writing
Once the test has been completed, the auditor draws up a report outlining the context and detailing the recognition elements and vulnerabilities identified. For each vulnerability, recommendations for correcting them are added. This report is essential to help the organization understand the risks and implement corrective measures.
Results presentation
Finally, a feedback meeting is often organized to present the results of the penetration test. This provides an opportunity to discuss the vulnerabilities identified, their potential impact, and the recommendations to be implemented. It is also an opportunity to answer questions from technical teams and clarify certain points.
Patch verification
Once patches have been put in place, it is advisable to carry out a verification test to ensure that the vulnerabilities have been corrected and that no other security problems have arisen. This validates the effectiveness of the measures put in place and ensures optimum security levels.
Why use a specialized service provider?
Intrusion testing requires advanced technical expertise and a rigorous methodological approach. Calling on a specialized service provider such as Secureaks means you benefit from a professional, detailed analysis in line with recognized standards.
Secureaks' approach is based on strong ethics, total transparency in reports, and clear operational recommendations, adapted to each customer context. Tests are carried out by experienced consultants, using specific tools and unique know-how acquired in the field.
Conclusion
Intrusion testing is an essential tool for preventing cyber risks and guaranteeing a high level of security. It is part of a proactive cyber-defense approach to business continuity.
To find out more about penetration testing or our cybersecurity services, please contact us.
