Penetration tests play a vital role in determining the security posture of a variety of technologies and platforms. Let’s delve into the most common areas where penetration testing is applied.
Network & IT Infrastructure
These form the backbone of any digital setup, whether in a multinational conglomerate or a small home office. Network and IT infrastructures are the first line of defense against cyber threats. Regular penetration tests on these systems are not merely suggested, but absolutely necessary, especially after significant changes or upgrades have been implemented. Penetration tests can also be performed on specific segments of the infrastructure, like the email or VPN services, to ensure robust security.
Applications
Web, mobile, or standalone applications, along with APIs, are increasingly becoming critical components of most organizations. These applications not only facilitate operations but also handle and process sensitive data. Therefore, application penetration testing, often conducted using renowned standards such as OWASP ASVS, becomes critical to ensure the safety of this data and the overall security of the applications.
Wireless Technologies
Wireless technologies, including WiFi, Bluetooth, 2G/3G/4G, and others, such as Zigbee or WirelessHart in the industrial domain, have become an integral part of our digital world. However, their wireless nature often makes them vulnerable to attacks. Penetration testing protocols specifically tailored for these wireless technologies can help identify and rectify these vulnerabilities, strengthening the overall infrastructure.
IoT Devices
With the increasing prevalence of IoT devices, these have become a prominent target for penetration testing. The comprehensive testing and assessment of these devices cover hardware, firmware, and backend services. Advanced techniques such as reverse engineering and firmware hacking are used to uncover potential weaknesses, thus helping ensure the security of these devices.
OS & Appliances
Securing servers, endpoints, and appliances is crucial for managing risks in complex environments. Penetration testing is used to assess configurations of Operating Systems such as Windows, Linux, Unix, and others. This process often includes reviewing trust relations, auditing rules, and inspecting access rights and authorizations. Security assessments also extend to specific services like webservers, middleware, and databases.
Cloud Services
The widespread adoption of cloud computing has resulted in the emergence of new risks, necessitating a shared responsibility model between the cloud customer and the cloud service provider. Penetration testing is used to examine the security configurations of cloud service providers like Azure, AWS, Google, and others, thus ensuring a secure cloud environment. This testing extends to container technologies such as Kubernetes and Docker, making sure all deployments are secure, irrespective of the model (SaaS, IaaS, PaaS, or FaaS).
Penetration testing is an essential tool in the cybersecurity arsenal, with a wide range of potential targets. However, it’s important to remember that while these are common areas for testing, the scope of penetration testing is not limited to these categories. Any component of the digital ecosystem, regardless of how novel or specialized, can be tested for potential vulnerabilities.
