What Attacks Can Network Penetration Testing Prevent?

Network penetration testing is a simulated cyber attack on a computer network, performed with the goal of identifying security weaknesses and vulnerabilities in the network infrastructure and systems. The test is performed by security professionals, known as penetration testers or pentesters, using a variety of techniques and tools to simulate the tactics and methods used by real-world attackers.

The results of the test are used to identify areas for improvement and to strengthen the overall security posture of the network. Network penetration testing is an important component of a comprehensive security strategy and can help organizations better protect their sensitive information and systems against potential cyber attacks.

How Does Network Pentesting Work?

Network penetration testing typically follows these steps:

Planning and scope definition: In this step, the tester and the organization agree on the scope and objectives of the test, including which systems and networks to test and any constraints or limitations. This helps ensure that the test is focused and effective.
Information gathering: The tester collects information about the target network and systems, such as IP addresses, software versions, and open ports, to identify potential vulnerabilities. This information can be gathered through various methods, such as online research, network mapping, and reconnaissance.
Vulnerability scanning: The tester uses automated tools, such as vulnerability scanners, to identify known vulnerabilities in the target systems. These tools scan the target systems for common security weaknesses and generate a report of findings.
Exploitation: Once vulnerabilities have been identified, the tester attempts to exploit them to gain unauthorized access to the target systems. This helps the tester determine the potential impact of a real-world attack and provides insight into the effectiveness of the organization’s security measures.
Reporting: The tester documents the results of the test, including a detailed description of the vulnerabilities identified and the methods used to exploit them. The report should also include recommendations for remediation, such as applying software patches or changing configuration settings.
Remediation: In this step, the organization implements recommended security improvements to address identified vulnerabilities. This helps improve the overall security posture of the network and systems and reduce the risk of future attacks.

To see an example of a real-life penetration testing solution, see HackerOne’s crowdsourced penetration testing service.

Network Penetration Testing: Which Attacks it Can Prevent?

Network penetration testing can help prevent the following types of attacks:

SQL Injection: Network penetration testing can identify and prevent SQL Injection attacks by simulating the attack, using application security testing techniques, and checking the system’s vulnerability. This helps to identify any weaknesses in the system’s security controls and software design that could be exploited by attackers.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): By identifying and testing for XSS vulnerabilities, network penetration testing can prevent attackers from executing malicious scripts on a system by exploiting vulnerabilities in the website’s code.
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack: Network penetration testing can help to prevent MitM attacks by simulating the attack and testing the system’s security controls. This helps to identify any weaknesses in the system’s encryption or authentication methods that could be exploited by attackers.
Denial of Service (DoS) Attack: Pentesting can help to prevent DoS attacks by simulating the attack and measuring the system’s ability to withstand it. This helps to identify any weaknesses in the system’s infrastructure or configuration that could be exploited by attackers.
Remote Code Execution (RCE): Pentesting can help to prevent RCE attacks by simulating the attack and checking the system’s vulnerability. This helps to identify any weakness in the system’s security controls or software design that could be exploited by attackers to execute malicious code on the system.
Buffer Overflow: Network pentesting can help prevent buffer overflow attacks by identifying weaknesses in the software design or coding practices that could allow attackers to exploit buffer overflow vulnerabilities.
Session hijacking: Network penetration testing can help to prevent session hijacking by testing the system’s ability to secure and manage user sessions, and by identifying vulnerabilities in the system’s encryption and authentication methods.

Of course, penetration testing cannot prevent every type of attack. Some examples of attacks that it can’t prevent are:

Zero-day vulnerabilities: These are unknown vulnerabilities in software or systems that have not yet been discovered or patched. Penetration testing may not be able to identify these vulnerabilities as they are not yet known to the security community.
Physical attacks: These attacks involve physically accessing the system, such as stealing a laptop or breaking into a building. Penetration testing only evaluates the security of the network and systems, and cannot prevent physical attacks.
Configuration and misconfiguration errors: Network Penetration Testing can identify these issues but cannot prevent them, as it requires proper management and maintenance of systems to avoid vulnerabilities.
Insider threats: Penetration testing cannot prevent attacks carried out by authorized users who have access to the network, such as employees or contractors.
Advanced persistent threats (APTs): These are complex, long-term attacks carried out by highly skilled attackers. Penetration testing can identify some vulnerabilities, but may not be able to fully detect and prevent APT attacks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, network penetration testing is an effective tool for identifying and mitigating potential security risks in computer networks. By simulating real-world attacks, penetration testers can identify vulnerabilities that might be overlooked by other security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems. The results of the test can be used to improve the overall security posture of the network and to implement more effective security controls.

By performing network penetration testing on a regular basis, organizations can stay ahead of emerging threats, demonstrate their commitment to security to customers and stakeholders, and avoid the costs associated with data breaches. As such, network penetration testing is an important component of any comprehensive security strategy.

Author Bio: Gilad David Maayan

Gilad David Maayan is a technology writer who has worked with over 150 technology companies including SAP, Imperva, Samsung NEXT, NetApp and Check Point, producing technical and thought leadership content that elucidates technical solutions for developers and IT leadership. Today he heads Agile SEO, the leading marketing agency in the technology industry.