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Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting a Successful Penetration Test

 Pen testing is a valuable testing method through which the breaching activity can be simulated on any number of application systems such as frontend/backend servers, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) etc., so that those vulnerabilities that can be uncovered are exploited. Detected vulnerabilities can be patched and Web Application Firewall (WAF) policies can be fine-tuned using  the insights provided by the penetration test method.

In order to conduct a successful penetration test, the team needs to follow a sequence of steps for properly conducting the penetration testing method. In this article, you will get to know the specific steps needed to conduct a successful penetration test.  

What is penetration testing? 


It is a testing method that performs a simulated cyber attack against the application or system so that potential vulnerabilities can be exploited. When web application security is taken into consideration then a Web Application Firewall (WAF) is augmented by the penetration test method. This testing method is also referred to as "pen testing." 

 

The following are the steps needed to conduct a penetration test: 

1. Initiate the process with a specific plan: The scope and goals are defined. This basically includes the testing method to be used and the systems that need to be addressed. Intelligence (e.g., mail server, network and domain names) is gathered so that a better understanding can be gained about the working of a target and its potential vulnerabilities. 

 

2. Carrying out the scanning process: In this step, the focus is on understanding the specific response of a target application to various intrusion attempts. The following are two ways to carry out: 

  • Static analysis: An application's code is inspected in order to know how it behaves while it is running. The code can be entirely scanned using these tools in a single pass 

  • Dynamic analysis: An application's code is inspected in a running state. A real-time view of an application's performance is provided. 

 

3. Access needs to be gained: Web application attacks such as backdoors, cross-site scripting etc., are used in this step to uncover the target's vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are then exploited by testers by intercepting traffic, stealing data, escalating privileges etc., so that the extent to which the damage can be caused could be understood. 

 

4. Maintaining access: A vulnerability is being used to know if there is a specific presence in the exploited system to know if an intruder can gain in-depth access. Advanced persistent threats are imitated, which basically remain for months in a system so that an organization's sensitive data can be stolen.  

 

5. The value of analysis: All the penetration test results are compiled into a report by taking into consideration the following points: 

  • The exploitation of specific vulnerabilities 

  • Accessing sensitive data 

  • Ascertaining the amount of time that a pen tester has been in the system without getting detected. 

 

Penetration testing methods: 

1. External testing: The organization's assets that are visible on the internet such as email, company website, the web application itself and Domain Name Servers (DNS) are targeted by external penetration tests. Access needs to be gained and valuable data needs to be extracted. 

 

2. Internal testing: An attack is simulated by a tester with access to an application, which is behind its firewall. A specific scenario would be wherein the credentials have been stolen due to a phishing attack.  

 

3. Targeted testing: In this type of testing, both the security personnel and the tester will work together and keep each other informed about their movements. A real-time feedback is provided to the security team from a hacker's point of view.  

 

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing penetration testing for your specific project, then get connected with a top-rated software testing company uk that will provide professional consultation and support along with strategic advice on developing a structured Pen testing implementation strategy that is in line with your project specific requirements. 

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