A penetration test is a form of security audit that consists in trying to hack a system (web application, servers, company network...) using the same tools as a real attacker.
However, we will carry out this service within a precise framework defined with the customer and by taking particular precautions in order to damage as little as possible the audited system and the data it hosts.
This discipline is called "Ethical Hacking", our goal being to discover security problems in order to help you identify, understand and correct them.
Am I a target for hackers
In our business, we often hear this kind of thing: "Why would hackers want to attack me, I am too small" or "Anyway, my computer park is not reachable from the Internet, you have to be already in my park to attack me" or "Anyway, I do not host any personal data on my site, there is no interest to attack me".
However, it is important to understand that no one is safe from a cyber attack, and this for several reasons.
On the one hand, many attacks are carried out by automated scripts that will try to exploit a whole bunch of security flaws, no matter how big the target is.
On the other hand, an information system, even one that cannot be reached from the Internet, can be hacked in many different ways: a malicious employee, a trapped USB key, a virus sent by email, a physical intrusion...
Then, even if you are not necessarily aware of it, cybercriminals will often find a way to take advantage of a successful attack, whether you are small or not. For example, they can effectively steal your data to resell it or ask you for a ransom, they can encrypt your system and ask you to pay for it, or they can use your platform to host illegal files (movie/series piracy, child pornography content...) or to use it as an attack vector to try to reach other targets related to you (customers, partners, other information systems you own...).
Perform a penetration test
In order to protect yourself as much as possible from computer attacks, it is necessary to secure your systems and applications as much as possible.
The penetration test is a weapon that can be very effective in improving security.
Indeed, when developing an application or setting up a system or a service, it is possible to miss certain security problems, even with the right means and competent teams. This is often due to the fact that new vulnerabilities or new ways to exploit them are discovered every day and one needs to be properly trained and equipped to discover them. This is why it is recommended to have your systems and applications audited for potential security issues.
In addition, penetration tests also allow to validate the security measures put in place. This ensures that these measures are working as intended and that they are effective against real attacks.
How does a penetration test work?
Penetration tests carried out by Secureaks take place in several stages.
First of all, we define an action plan together in order to audit your target according to your needs and your budget.
Then, once we have contracted the service, we plan the tests, which will be carried out at specific times defined with you.
We then carry out the audit itself, which consists of looking for security flaws and trying to exploit them, in order to evaluate their criticality and impact. During this phase, we stay in touch with you to notify you of the beginning and end of the tests, and to warn you as soon as possible in case of a problem.
Once the audit is completed, we write a report that contains all the findings and the elements to understand and reproduce them, as well as the leads to help you correct them.
A presentation of the report is then made by video conference by one of the consultants who conducted the audit. This allows you, in addition to learning about the findings, to discuss them with us. The report is also transmitted to you in a secure manner.
Contact us
If you need more information or if you wish to discuss these subjects, do not hesitate to contact us.