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Penetration testing is one of the key services offered by information technology (IT) security consultants, but what is it? The term ‘Penetration Test’ can be confusing in and of itself because many organizations have their own terminology for this relatively recent and rapidly evolving process. What some may refer to as a penetration test, others may call a technical risk assessment, a vulnerability audit, or simply a security assessment. Basically, penetration testing is the process of actively (versus theoretical or paper-based) testing and evaluation of your information systems’ security measures, and uncovering any security issues. During a penetration test, IT security consultants will examine all of the parts involved in the capturing, storing, and processing of your organization’s information. They will do an in depth evaluation of the systems in which information is stored, the channels through which information is transmitted, and both the processes and personnel involved in managing it. Commonly tested areas include: Operating systems, applications, databases, and network equipment, and network security assessment. Dynamic websites and in-house applications Wireless security assessment and connection access, such as WIFI, IR, GSM, RFID, and Bluetooth Remote access and telephone systems access Physical access to information system, such as stealing mail, files, or paper trash Other factors determining the penetration test parameters may be the particular industry or compliance standards which your organization is subject to. For instance, an organization which routinely handles credit card information may be required to test all of the components which deal with the storage and processing of credit card-holder data. Why Use Penetration Testing? Security assessment through penetration testing is useful in both shaping your information security strategy, and protecting your organization. The testing process works to identify system vulnerabilities, measure the likelihood of their occurrence and depth of impact, and develop proactive management strategies and corrective measures. The test results help safeguard your organization from financial losses owing to unreliable business systems and processes, fraudulent acts of disgruntled employees, hackers, and extortionists, as well as failure to comply to industry regulators, customers, or shareholders, which can result in heavy fines, loss of consumer confidence and bad PR. How Does The Process Work? First the IT security consultants will request the results of any previously conducted risk assessments. Ideally, major risks particular to your organization, such as loss of confidential information, e-commerce or communications failure, should have already identified so that the penetration testing consultants can use those threats as focus points on which to concentrate their assessment of potential security issues within those areas. If no prior risk assessment has been made for your organization, the IT security consultants will generally begin with the areas of greatest potential exposure to security failures- areas such as web sites and email gateways, remote access platforms, and public facing systems. Consultants will painstakingly test your organizations information systems for leaks, predator access points, storage redundancy or weaknesses, and the security and integrity of information transmission. Any problem areas will be assessed for both potential damage scenarios and correction strategies. The findings of the penetration test will be documented and presented to the client, in a clear and accessible report, followed by a debriefing session addressing any pertinent questions and offering corrective strategies and solutions. Ideally, the report and debriefing session will be given in sections specific to the various intended audience members, with terminology which is understandable to executives, managers, and technical personnel respectively. This final step, in which both problems and solutions are discussed and decided upon, is the true value of any security assessment. If you business is important to you and you are watching after your company’s reputation then don’t risk it, go to strategicsec.com for more information about Network penetration test or wireless Penetration Test and ensure your company’s security.
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