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

External pen testing is a crucial part of any organisation’s security measures. It involves hiring a third-party company to simulate a cyber attack on the company’s network, systems, and applications. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the company’s security infrastructure before a real attacker can exploit them.

The process of external pen testing typically involves several stages. First, the pen testers will gather information about the company’s network and systems, such as IP addresses, domain names, and operating systems. They will then use this information to identify potential entry points for an attacker. Once they have identified these entry points, they will attempt to exploit them using a variety of techniques, such as social engineering, phishing, and network scanning. The pen testers will then report their findings to the company, along with recommendations for how to address any vulnerabilities that were identified.

External pen testing is becoming increasingly important as cyber attacks become more sophisticated and frequent. By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by real attackers, companies can significantly reduce their risk of a data breach or other security incident. It is important for companies to work with a reputable and experienced pen testing company to ensure that the testing is thorough and effective.

External Pen Test Overview

Definition and Purpose

An external pen test, also known as an external vulnerability assessment, is a type of security testing that evaluates an organization’s external-facing systems and networks for potential security vulnerabilities. The purpose of an external pen test is to identify weaknesses in an organization’s security posture that could be exploited by an attacker.

An external pen test typically involves simulating an attack against an organization’s external-facing systems and networks using a variety of techniques, such as network scanning, port scanning, and vulnerability scanning. The goal of the test is to identify vulnerabilities that could be used by an attacker to gain unauthorized access to the organization’s systems or data.

Scope and Limitations

The scope of an external pen test is typically defined by the organization being tested and the testing team. The scope may include specific systems or networks, or it may encompass the entire external-facing infrastructure of the organization.

It is important to note that an external pen test has limitations. While it can identify many potential vulnerabilities, it cannot guarantee that all vulnerabilities have been identified. Additionally, an external pen test may not identify vulnerabilities that require a more in-depth analysis, such as those that require physical access to the organization’s systems.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

External pen tests must be conducted in a legal and ethical manner. The testing team must obtain permission from the organization being tested before conducting the test, and must adhere to any legal and regulatory requirements that apply.

It is also important to consider the potential impact of the test on the organization being tested. An external pen test has the potential to disrupt normal business operations, and could result in the loss of sensitive or confidential data. As such, it is important to conduct the test in a controlled and responsible manner, and to communicate the results to the organization being tested in a clear and concise manner.

Conducting an External Pen Test

Pre-Engagement Activities

Before conducting an external pen test, it is important to define the scope of the assessment. This includes identifying the target systems and applications to be tested, as well as any constraints or limitations. The pen tester should also obtain written permission from the client or organisation before commencing the assessment.

Another important pre-engagement activity is reconnaissance. This involves gathering information about the target systems and applications, such as network topology, IP addresses, and operating systems. This information can be obtained through publicly available sources, such as search engines and social media, as well as through active scanning and enumeration.

Assessment Techniques

External pen testing typically involves a combination of manual and automated techniques. Manual techniques include vulnerability scanning, password cracking, and social engineering, while automated techniques include port scanning and network mapping.

The pen tester should also perform a variety of attacks, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and buffer overflow, to identify vulnerabilities in the target systems and applications. It is important to note that the pen tester should only use techniques that have been agreed upon with the client or organisation.

Tools and Technologies

There are a variety of tools and technologies available for conducting external pen tests. These include vulnerability scanners, such as Nessus and OpenVAS, password cracking tools, such as John the Ripper and Hashcat, and social engineering frameworks, such as SET and BeEF.

Other useful tools include network mapping tools, such as Nmap and Netcat, and exploitation frameworks, such as Metasploit. It is important to choose tools that are appropriate for the target systems and applications, and to ensure that they are used in a safe and responsible manner.

Reporting and Follow-Up

After completing the external pen test, the pen tester should provide a detailed report to the client or organisation. This report should include a summary of the findings, as well as recommendations for remediation.

The pen tester should also be available to answer any questions or concerns that the client or organisation may have, and to provide guidance on how to address the identified vulnerabilities. It is important to note that the pen tester should maintain confidentiality and not disclose any sensitive information to unauthorised parties.

Overall, conducting an external pen test can help organisations identify and address vulnerabilities in their systems and applications, and improve their overall security posture.