You see it in the news daily – another company has fallen victim to a cyber attack. As a business leader, you know it’s possible that a cyber attack could impact your company too, and that you need to take the necessary security precautions to keep your data safe.
Yet when you look at your cyber security stature, you might find that you’re missing some essential cyber security layers – two of which are penetration testing and vulnerability scanning.
These tests look for the holes in your network that an attacker can exploit. Both have their benefits. Which one is right for your business? Do you need both?
That’s what this article will help you figure out. We’ll cover:
Let’s look at the differences between these two assessment types and how to determine which is better for your business.
A penetration test, also known as a pen test, is a simulated attack on a system to identify vulnerabilities that a hacker can exploit.
Penetration tests are typically conducted by ethical hackers, also known as white hat hackers. Although they use the same techniques as malicious hackers, they perform these tests with permission, and with the goal of improving the security of your business network.
Penetration tests can be conducted internally by your company’s cyber security team or by an outsourced managed security services provider (MSSP). They can be done manually or with the help of automated tools.
Penetration tests are a great way to uncover vulnerabilities in your network, but they also have their downsides.
If you’re looking to take your business’s cyber security posture to the next level, penetration tests provide a greater level of assurance that vulnerabilities will be found and fixed before they can be exploited.
A vulnerability scan systematically scans a computer system or network for known vulnerabilities. Scans can be conducted manually or automated using a variety of tools. They aim to identify any systems or applications vulnerable to attack.
Vulnerabilities can include flaws in software, hardware, or firmware that could allow an attacker to gain access, take control, or steal data.
As with penetration testing, vulnerability scans can be conducted in-house or by an outsourced MSSP.
There are two types of vulnerability scans that can be performed on your business network – internal and external. They both provide you with vital information that helps you mitigate risk, but they’re not the same.
Internal vulnerability scans are performed from inside your network to identify any systems or applications vulnerable to attack. They provide a higher-level analysis of vulnerabilities (such as outdated software and patches) and check all your endpoints for possible weaknesses.
External vulnerability scans are conducted from outside your business network and look for externally accessible weaknesses. These scans provide insights into the vulnerabilities that an attacker on the internet can exploit.
For these reasons, vulnerability scans are often used alongside penetration tests. By conducting both types of tests, organizations can get a complete picture of their security risks.
A vulnerability scan identifies weaknesses; a penetration test identifies weaknesses and tries to exploit them.
These concepts can be abstract if you’re not an IT professional. Here’s a scenario that may help it come to life:
Imagine you’re walking the perimeter of your property looking for holes in the fence.
If you’re doing a vulnerability scan, you’d see a hole and make a note that you need to go fix it.
If you’re conducting a penetration test, you’d see that the hole exists and try to get through it. You’d know how attractive of an entry point it is, how feasible it is that something could get through, and what an intruder would be able to access if they succeeded.
So, which is better for your business – penetration testing or vulnerability scanning? The answer depends on your specific needs, security risks, and budget.
Here are a few factors to consider:
Penetration tests and vulnerability scans are both essential tools in the fight against cyber crime. That’s why it’s not an either-or situation. We recommend companies run internal vulnerability scans monthly, external vulnerability scans quarterly, and conduct penetration tests annually.
Figuring out what your business needs to stay secure and compliant can be overwhelming. We’re here to help.
North America-based businesses come to us to improve their overall cyber security posture through comprehensive managed cyber security services. Contact us today for a cyber security assessment. You’ll get actionable recommendations that will guide you down the path to a secure and stable business network.