In November of 2022, bad actors penetrated T-Mobile’s network stealing 37 million customer’s data. This breach was not discovered until January 5, 2023. While no financial data was stolen, personal information such as addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and emails were taken.
This isn’t the first time, T-Mobile has experienced a breach either. Breaches in the past have led to T-Mobile paying significant amounts of money in settlements. T-Mobile has committed to investing more in cybersecurity.
However, what if they could have prevented these breaches in the first place through penetration testing services? They certainly would have saved money and prevented losing their customer’s trust.
As a business, making sure you learn from stories like this is essential. Keep reading and learn why you should make network penetration testing services part of your cybersecurity plan.
What Are Network Penetration Testing Services?
Network penetration testing services, also known as ethical hacking or white-hat hacking, are an essential component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
In simple terms, these services simulate cyber attacks to find weaknesses in your network. Penetration testers can find vulnerabilities by thinking like hackers, helping to prevent cybercrime.
Benefits of Network Penetration Testing
Network penetration testing services offer numerous benefits for businesses of all sizes. By identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in a company’s network infrastructure these services help organizations be proactive. Here are some other key benefits of network penetration testing:
Discover Hidden Vulnerabilities
During regular security assessments, you may miss hidden vulnerabilities. However, network penetration testers use specialized tools and techniques to simulate real-world cyber attacks. This allows them to identify potential entry points for hackers or other unauthorized individuals.
Gain Valuable Insights
Network penetration testing provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of existing security controls. By actively attempting to exploit weaknesses in the system, testers can determine whether current defenses are sufficient or need strengthening.
Compliance
Conducting regular network penetration tests helps companies meet compliance requirements and industry standards. Many regulatory frameworks require businesses to perform periodic security assessments, including vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.
Identify Gaps
Network penetration testing improves incident response capabilities. It does this by identifying gaps in detection and response processes. By simulating an attack scenario, organizations can assess their ability to detect breaches promptly and respond effectively.
Improve Your Business Reputation
Investing in network penetration testing enhances the overall reputation of a business. Demonstrating a commitment to robust cybersecurity practices instills trust among customers and partners who rely on the organization’s ability to protect sensitive information.
The Network Penetration Testing Process
Now that we understand what network penetration testing services are and the benefits they offer, let’s delve into the actual process. Network penetration testing typically follows a systematic approach followed by cybersecurity experts.
Step One: Reconnaissance
In the first phase of network penetration testing, known as reconnaissance, experts gather information about the target network. This can include identifying the following:
- IP addresses
- Domain names
- Potential entry points for attackers
By analyzing this data, they can gain a deeper understanding of the network’s structure and vulnerabilities.
Step Two: Vulnerability Assessment
Once the reconnaissance step is complete, the next step in network penetration testing is conducting a vulnerability assessment. This involves identifying and assessing any vulnerabilities or weaknesses within your network infrastructure.
During this phase, various tools and techniques are used to scan and analyze your network for potential vulnerabilities. These may include the following:
- Outdated software versions
- Misconfigured systems
- Weak passwords
- Unpatched security patches
The goal of a vulnerability assessment is to uncover any weaknesses that could potentially be exploited by malicious actors. By identifying these vulnerabilities early on, you can take proactive measures to patch them up before they can be used against your organization.
Step Three: Exploitation
After the vulnerability assessment is complete, the next step is to attempt to exploit any identified vulnerabilities. This involves using specialized tools and techniques to try and gain access to your network.
The exploitation phase can involve a variety of methods, such as:
- Brute force attacks
- Social engineering tactics
- Exploiting known vulnerabilities in software or systems
The aim is to gain unauthorized access to your network and gather sensitive information.
Step Four: Risk Determination
Once the exploitation phase is complete, the next step is to determine the level of risk posed by the vulnerabilities and potential access points discovered.
This involves evaluating the impact of these vulnerabilities on your organization, such as:
- Potential data breaches or loss of sensitive information
- Disruption of services or operations
- Financial losses or regulatory fines
Based on this risk assessment, you can prioritize which vulnerabilities need to be addressed first and develop a plan for remediation.
Step Five: Reporting and Recommendations
The next step in network penetration testing is reporting and providing recommendations for improving your organization’s security posture.
A detailed report will outline the information, including the following:
- Vulnerabilities identified
- How they were exploited
- Any sensitive information accessed
- Recommendations for remediation and improving overall network security
It is essential to share this report with key stakeholders within your organization. This includes IT teams, management, and decision-makers. This will help them understand the severity of the risks and take necessary actions to address them.
Step Six: Remediation
The final step in network penetration testing is remediation, where you address the vulnerabilities and weaknesses identified during the assessment.
This can involve a variety of actions, such as:
- Applying software patches and updates
- Strengthening password policies
- Implementing security controls, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems
- Providing security awareness training for employees
It is crucial to prioritize and address the most critical vulnerabilities first to minimize the risk of a successful attack on your network. Regularly performing network penetration testing can help identify any new or emerging vulnerabilities to be addressed.
Protect Your Business and Customers
Penetration testing services can help protect your business from potential threats. They offer your business the chance to be proactive instead of reactive, and it shows your customers you care.
CISOSHARE is at the forefront of security. Our team has over 20 years of experience, and we’re committed to helping keep your business safe. Schedule a complimentary consultation today, and our experts will answer all your questions.
