Quick Ways to Solve Challenges with Security Pen Test

Quick Ways to Solve Challenges with Security Pen Test

Security pen testing is integral to an organization's overall security strategy as it helps identify and mitigate the vulnerabilities in the IT infrastructure and other organizational assets. As organizations become increasingly digital, the need to perform regular security pen tests has become inevitable. However, some challenges with performing security pen tests, especially regarding time, cost, and gaining management buy-in.

Here are quick ways to solve difficulties with security pen tests.

1. Avoid using default passwords.

You can avoid default passwords by naming your Wi-Fi routers something other than admin or password. Use WPA2 Personal encryption and a strong password to make it more secure. Finally, change the default username to anything but admin. It will help with remote access and provide a small layer of protection.

2. Use multi-factor authentication

Start by looking at what your online properties support authentication methods. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a step in the right direction to protect your users and systems from unauthorized access. This approach combines something you know (e.g., a password) with something you have (e.g., an authenticator app or physical key). The result is a two-step process that ensures that only authorized people can access the security door.

3. Educate your employees

Educate your employees about the basics of cybersecurity. Tell them to follow the rules and stay updated on any new security risks. Please encourage them to report any unusual behavior or data loss promptly so it can be dealt with as soon as possible. Conducting a regular risk assessment is also vital as it is a quick way to identify and prioritize risks within your organization. A risk assessment will help you decide what areas to address first to reduce potential threats.

4. Ensure all Security patches are applied

The world of IT security is evolving rapidly. After all, it doesn't take a genius to tell you that the internet has made it easier for hackers to cause trouble for businesses and individuals. One thing that this means for companies is that they need to constantly make sure their security software is up-to-date with the latest patches available.

5. Disconnect devices when not in use.

Disconnecting the devices when they are not in use is one of the easiest ways to ensure that no unauthorized users can access your network. It will also help prevent resource depletion on your network and make it more difficult for intruders to probe for weaknesses.

6. Encrypt data in motion and at rest

Encrypting data in motion and at rest is critical to securing your organization's sensitive data. All traffic between the mobile device and remote servers is to be encrypted. You must also encrypt data in transit over public Wi-Fi networks to minimize unauthorized access, interception, and modification of sensitive data. At the same time, it's being transferred to and from your computer or phone.

7. Control third-party access to your network

The key to preventing third-party security breaches is to limit the level of access third parties have to your network. Third-party companies will often need a certain level of access for their service or products. It would help if you always talked about what data they may see and how it can be shared or used outside its original scope.

8. Use a secure Wi-Fi connection.

In today's world, one of the essential steps in protecting your company from hackers is changing your Wi-Fi network's password. Your Wi-Fi connection password should be at least ten characters long, with a mix of letters and numbers. You also want to make sure it has spaces between words or phrases.

What is the Risk of not Performing Penetration Testing?

While penetration testing isn't always the first thing that comes to mind when considering information security assessments, it's a critical part of maintaining security. Why? Because penetration testing helps organizations gain insight into the tactics and techniques of the people who want to harm them, this intelligence can be used to build more robust defenses and shore up existing ones. Check on the table below.

 Factors to Consider when Choosing a Penetration testing company

A penetration testing company plays an essential role in ensuring the security of your business by identifying any vulnerabilities that hackers could potentially exploit. No matter how secure your business's network is, you'll want to hire one of these companies regularly to ensure that you maintain the highest possible protection against cybercriminals, phishing scams, and other malicious entities. However, with so many companies available, choosing the right one for your needs can be difficult.

Here are the factors to consider when choosing a penetration testing company.

1. Experience

The amount of experience and the testers' experience should be part of the evaluation process. The more tests they've conducted, the better; this will be reflected in the pricing structure.

2. Price

Pricing is often an issue for many small businesses, and penetration testing firms are no exception. Price has the potential to make or break the decision of which company you go with, but price should not be your only consideration. Remember that prices vary greatly based on location and organization size, so it's best to shop around before choosing one particular company over another.

3. Company reputation

Reputation is crucial and usually the first thing people look at when deciding who to trust. A good reputation inspires confidence in potential customers and builds a solid customer base that leads to more opportunities.

4. Transparency

Some companies may offer specific services, but they can be transparent about what services they cannot provide. You should choose a company that is upfront about their areas of specialization and provides transparency regarding their certification process and the industries they specialize in.

5. Data security

Consider the confidentiality and integrity of your data when deciding who to work with; Remember that security testing is only one piece of what it takes to be GDPR compliant, so choose wisely and be wary of companies offering limited services at a low price. Data security is one aspect among many, but it's an important consideration.

6. Confirm the company has liability insurance

One factor is insurance. You want to make sure the company you hire has liability insurance, which covers any damages incurred by the company during your testing. Liability insurance is required for many major industries, including penetration testing. If they are not insured, their contract with you may not be valid, and any damages could result in litigation from both parties.

7. Specialization

Specialization can be an essential factor when selecting the right penetration testing company. For example, if you are only concerned with identifying vulnerabilities and how they are exploited, you might want to consider an IT security-focused vendor. If your organization has a strong audit background or SIEM toolset, it may be better suited for someone like Veracode. Understanding who will perform and execute the assessment is one thing but understanding what they specialize in is equally important.

Conclusion

These solutions to common security challenges will give you the knowledge you need to ensure your website and data are secure. Regardless of how complicated or daunting the task may seem, implementing these quick solutions can make a huge difference in protecting your business. You can reach out to Guru Solutions for effective services on security pen tests.