According to Verizon, 95% of data breaches are for financial reasons. This highlights the critical need for businesses to assess their external defenses through external penetration testing.
External penetration testing helps identify vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them, strengthening your network security.
Today we’re taking a closer look into the top eight tips for external penetration testing to help protect your business from cyber threats and ensure your systems remain secure.
1. Understand the Scope of Your Testing
Before starting an external penetration test, it’s important to understand the boundaries of what will be tested. Understanding your external network boundaries means identifying what parts of your system can be accessed from outside your business.
Your network vulnerability assessment could include servers, firewalls, or other exposed areas that need testing. Making sure these entry points are well-defined helps avoid surprises during the testing process.
Application Testing Limits
Not all applications may be included in a test. Deciding which ones to focus on is crucial. Are there specific apps that hold sensitive data or perform vital functions? Knowing this ahead of time ensures that the test covers the most important areas.
Third-Party Access Points
If your system interacts with third-party services, those access points should be part of the testing scope. These can introduce vulnerabilities, so it’s necessary to include them to get a complete picture of your external security.
2. Use the Right Cybersecurity Testing Tools
Vulnerability scanners help detect common security flaws, misconfigurations, or outdated software. These tools scan your network for known issues and provide a comprehensive report, highlighting areas that need improvement.
Exploitation Frameworks
An exploitation framework allows ethical hackers to attempt real-world attacks in a controlled environment. It tests the system’s defenses and identifies any weak spots that could be exploited by attackers.
Custom Testing Scripts
Custom scripts are useful for testing unique or complex environments. They’re created by skilled testers who tailor the scripts to specific systems, making sure the test is as relevant and thorough as possible.
3. Engage Ethical Hacking Services for In-Depth Analysis
Ethical hacking services offer a deeper look into the vulnerabilities within your network. They simulate real-world attacks, giving you a clear understanding of how an outsider could breach your system. Using ethical hackers helps identify risks that automated tools might miss, making your security approach more thorough.
Ethical hackers use advanced techniques to test various areas of your business. They have the skills to think like attackers, which allows them to probe deeper into your defenses.
The testing goes beyond the basics and provides insights that are critical for strengthening your overall cybersecurity. Working with ethical hacking services ensures your business stays a step ahead of potential threats.
4. Prioritize High-Risk Vulnerabilities
When conducting an external penetration test, not all vulnerabilities are equally dangerous. Some may pose a greater risk to your business than others. It’s important to focus on the vulnerabilities that have the potential to cause the most damage. The approach helps you address the most pressing security issues first, ensuring that your business is better protected.
High-risk vulnerabilities often involve critical systems, sensitive data, or public-facing assets. By prioritizing these areas, you can reduce the chances of a serious breach.
Once the most significant risks are handled, you can then move on to lower-level vulnerabilities.
5. Schedule Regular Penetration Tests
One-time penetration tests can identify vulnerabilities, but threats are constantly evolving. Regular external penetration tests are needed to keep up with the changing security landscape. As new vulnerabilities and attack methods emerge, frequent testing helps make sure your business stays secure.
By scheduling regular tests, you can catch potential issues before they become bigger problems. It also allows you to keep your systems and software up to date. Cybersecurity threats don’t remain static, and neither should your defense. With ongoing penetration tests, you can adapt to new risks and maintain a stronger security posture over time.
6. Review and Implement Penetration Test Results
Conducting an external penetration test is only the first step. What you do with the results is just as important.
After receiving the test report, it’s essential to review the findings carefully and address any vulnerabilities that were discovered. It ensures that your business can close security gaps and strengthen its defenses.
Implementing the recommendations from the test will help improve your security over time. By acting on these findings, you make sure your business is less exposed to potential threats. Following up on the results is a key part of maintaining a secure network, and it helps to reduce the risk of future attacks.
7. Coordinate with Your IT Team
Working closely with your IT team is key when conducting external penetration tests. Their knowledge of your systems helps ensure the testing process runs smoothly.
They can assist in preparing the environment, managing access, and addressing any issues that may arise during the test. By collaborating with the IT team, you can make sure the findings from the test are applied effectively, improving your network’s security. Open communication between penetration testers and your IT staff helps bridge any gaps, making the process more efficient and the results more useful.
8. Stay Compliant with Industry Regulations
In today’s business environment, staying compliant with industry regulations is not just about avoiding fines. It’s about building trust.
External penetration testing can help ensure that your security measures meet the standards required by laws like GDPR or HIPAA. The regulations often demand that businesses keep sensitive data secure, making penetration testing a key part of your compliance strategy.
By following the guidelines set by industry regulations, your business can avoid penalties and reduce the risk of data breaches. Regular testing will help ensure that your systems stay updated with the latest security practices. Maintaining compliance also builds confidence with your customers, showing them that you take data protection seriously.
External Penetration Testing and IT Security Audits
External penetration testing is a critical tool for safeguarding your business from cyber threats.
With nearly 25 years of experience, EMPIST empowers businesses by providing innovative IT solutions. Our services cover Managed IT, Cybersecurity, Cloud Services, and Web/App Development. We focus on proactive support and strategic planning, helping solve current IT challenges while preparing your business for future needs to ensure ongoing success.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help with your penetration testing process!