Everything You Need to Know About Network Penetration Testing: Importance, Types, and Tools

• By Ankit Pahuja
• 09-03-2022
• Technology

If you're like most business owners, you know that cybersecurity is a top priority. You might have already installed some rudimentary security precautions, such as firewalls and antivirus software. Do you know if you're doing everything feasible to safeguard your network from cyber-attacks?

One important step that many businesses overlook is network penetration testing. This type of test can help you identify vulnerabilities in your system and fix them before they can be exploited by hackers.

In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of network penetration testing, the different types of tests that can be performed, and the best tools for performing these tests.

What Is Network Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing, also known as ethical hacking or white-hat hacking, is a type of computer system security evaluation that involves simulating an attack from malevolent hackers. It involves using various tools and techniques to scan for vulnerabilities in your network's defenses that could be exploited by cybercriminals. On-premises testing is another term for on-site testing. In other words, "in-house" or "on-premises" testing refers to on-site analysis. External testing, on the other hand, maybe conducted by a third party. Internal testing usually focuses on servers and databases while external testing focuses more on web applications such as those used by customers when making purchases online. The goal is not only to identify weaknesses but also to determine how they might affect overall business operations if left unchecked over time.

Why Is Network Penetration Testing Important?

There has never been a greater need for network penetration testing. In 2017, a study by the Ponemon Institute showed the average cost of a breach was $148 per record lost. That's up from $133 per record in 2016. And that doesn't even include the costs associated with remediation, such as hiring additional staff to manage the aftermath of a data breach or implementing new security measures.

Clearly, businesses can no longer afford to overlook cybersecurity vulnerabilities. A penetration test may uncover and address these flaws before they can be used by hackers. Regulatory responsibilities such as PCI DSS and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) can also be assisted with such penetration tests.

Who Should Perform Network Penetration Testing?

The need to perform network penetration testing is not applicable to everyone. The people who should generally be responsible for this are the system administrators, security analysts, and IT staff. However, it's a good idea to have an outside consultant conduct these tests from time to time as well. The possible loopholes that may not have been detected by the internal staff due to familiarity may be noticed by external staffing.

Types of Network Penetration Testing

Numerous distinct varieties of network penetration tests can be seen, which include:

- Black-box test: The goal of this test is to establish whether the system being tested has a vulnerability. A black-box examination is completed without prior knowledge of the target system. The tester is given only the information that is publicly available, such as IP addresses and hostnames.
- White-box test: A white-box test is carried out with the target system fully understood by the tester. The tester has direct access to all information about the system, including passwords and user accounts.
Gray-box test: A gray-box test combines black- and white-box testing. The tester has some knowledge of the target system but not all of it.

Best Network Penetration Testing Tools

There are several different tools for this can be found, both free and paid. Some of the most popular ones include:

- Nmap: Nmap is a free open source tool that can be used for network exploration, management, and security auditing. It features a wide range of scanning options and can be used to identify hosts, services, and vulnerabilities.
- Metasploit: Metasploit is a paid tool that is used for penetration testing and exploits development. It is a penetration testing tool that allows you to search through a large database of vulnerabilities and to construct your own payloads.
- Wireshark: Wireshark is a free and open-source network protocol analyzer that may be used to capture and analyze network packets.
- Astra's Pentest: Astra's Pentest is a paid tool that can be used for network vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and compliance auditing. Vulnerability assessment scanners are capable of finding critical flaws quickly and simply by sifting through your network.

The following are just a few of the many tools that network penetration testers may use. The ideal tool for you will be based on specific requirements and the environment.

Pros And Cons For Network Penetration Testing?

Pros:

- Identification of security flaws that are exploitable by hackers.
- Legal standards like PCI DSS and HIPAA can be complied with at ease.

Cons:

- It might be costly to set up and keep running.
- Need to have an experienced person who knows how to use the software in order to get the most benefit from it.

Conclusion

Penetration testing for network security is a crucial component of keeping your company safe from cyber breaches. By identifying and fixing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, you can help reduce the risk of data breaches and other security incidents. There are many different tools and methods available for performing network penetration tests, so choose the ones that best fit your needs. And remember to always test cautiously; it's better to identify a few false positives than miss a real threat.