External Pen Test: What It Is and Why Your Business Needs It

External pen testing is a crucial component of any organization’s security strategy. It involves hiring a third-party company to simulate a cyber attack on the organization’s systems and infrastructure. The goal of external pen testing is to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the organization’s security posture before a real attacker can exploit them.

During an external pen test, the third-party company will use a variety of tools and techniques to attempt to gain unauthorized access to the organization’s network and data. This can include social engineering tactics, such as phishing emails, as well as technical exploits, such as exploiting unpatched software vulnerabilities. The results of the pen test are then used to improve the organization’s security controls and reduce the risk of a successful cyber attack.

Overall, external pen testing is an essential part of any organization’s security strategy. It provides valuable insights into the organization’s security posture and helps identify areas for improvement. By conducting regular external pen tests, organizations can proactively identify and address security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by real attackers.

Understanding External Penetration Testing

Definition and Scope

External Penetration Testing is a type of security assessment that evaluates the security posture of an organization’s external-facing systems. This includes web applications, networks, and other systems that are accessible from the internet. The goal of External Penetration Testing is to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an attacker to gain unauthorized access to the organization’s systems or data.

The scope of External Penetration Testing may vary depending on the organization’s needs and requirements. However, it typically includes testing for common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and remote code execution. The testing may also include social engineering attacks to test the organization’s employees’ awareness of security risks.

Objectives and Benefits

The primary objective of External Penetration Testing is to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to an organization’s systems or data. By identifying these vulnerabilities, organizations can take steps to remediate them before they are exploited by attackers.

External Penetration Testing also provides several benefits to organizations. It helps organizations to:

• Identify vulnerabilities that may have been missed by other security assessments
• Evaluate the effectiveness of their security controls
• Improve their overall security posture
• Meet regulatory compliance requirements

Legal and Ethical Considerations

External Penetration Testing must be conducted in a legal and ethical manner. Organizations must obtain written permission from the owners of the systems being tested before conducting any testing. Organizations must also ensure that the testing does not disrupt the normal operations of the systems being tested.

Additionally, External Penetration Testing must be conducted by individuals who have the necessary skills and expertise to conduct the testing safely and effectively. Organizations should also ensure that the testers adhere to ethical standards and do not disclose any sensitive information obtained during the testing.

In conclusion, External Penetration Testing is a critical component of an organization’s overall security strategy. By identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers, organizations can take steps to remediate them and improve their overall security posture. However, organizations must ensure that the testing is conducted in a legal and ethical manner, and that the testers have the necessary skills and expertise to conduct the testing safely and effectively.

Conducting an External Pen Test

Pre-Engagement Activities

Before conducting an external pen test, the tester should gather as much information as possible about the target system or network. This includes identifying the scope of the test, defining the rules of engagement, and obtaining necessary permissions from the target organization. The tester should also identify the potential risks and vulnerabilities associated with the target system or network.

Assessment Techniques

External pen testing involves a variety of assessment techniques, such as vulnerability scanning, network mapping, and penetration testing. The tester should use a combination of these techniques to identify the vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the target system or network. The tester should also prioritize the vulnerabilities based on their severity and likelihood of exploitation.

Tools and Technologies

External pen testing requires the use of various tools and technologies, such as vulnerability scanners, network mapping tools, and penetration testing frameworks. The tester should select the appropriate tools and technologies based on the scope and complexity of the target system or network. The tester should also ensure that the tools and technologies used are up-to-date and reliable.

Reporting and Follow-Up

After completing the external pen test, the tester should prepare a detailed report that includes the vulnerabilities identified, the severity of each vulnerability, and recommendations for remediation. The report should also include a summary of the testing methodology and the tools and technologies used. The tester should present the report to the target organization and provide guidance on how to remediate the identified vulnerabilities. The tester should also follow up with the target organization to ensure that the vulnerabilities have been remediated.