Security is always a top priority for businesses, and one of the most important aspects of security is network penetration testing. This type of pentest is used to identify vulnerabilities in an organization’s external networks. What is network penetration testing? Simply put, it’s the process of trying to break into your company’s computer networks from the outside.
This can be done through a variety of methods, including exploiting vulnerabilities in your systems or guessing passwords. It’s important to remember that a network pentest is not just about finding vulnerabilities—it’s also about assessing your organization’s security posture and measuring how well your security controls are working. In this blog post, we will explain what an external pentest is and why it’s necessary for businesses today.
What is an external pentest?
An external pentest is a security assessment that is conducted from outside of your organization’s network. This type of pentest is important because it simulates the actions of a real-life attacker who would be trying to gain access to your systems from outside your network. External pentests are important because they provide a realistic view of your organization’s security posture.
What’s an External Network?
An external network is any network that is not part of your organization’s internal network. This includes the internet, as well as any public or private networks that are accessible from the outside. When conducting an external pentest, testers will try to gain access to your systems from these external networks.
This can include the Internet, partner networks, or public Wi-Fi networks.
How to perform external penetration testing?
External pentests can be conducted in a variety of ways, depending on your organization’s needs. Some common methods include black-box testing, white-box testing, and targeted testing. Black-box testing is a type of test where the tester does not have any knowledge of your system’s internals. This type of test simulates a real-world attack and can help you identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. White-box testing is a type of test where the tester has full knowledge of your system’s internals. This type of test is typically used to assess the security of specific components or systems. Targeted testing is a type of test where the tester focuses on a specific area or component of your system. This type of test can be used to identify vulnerabilities in a particular system or to assess the security of a specific component.
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Why Are External Network Tests Necessary?
External pentests are important because they provide a realistic view of your organization’s security posture from the perspective of an attacker. By conducting an external pentest, you can be sure that your systems are secure against threats from the outside.
External networks are often less secure than internal networks because they are not as well-protected against attacks. This makes them an attractive target for attackers who want to exploit vulnerabilities in your systems. External networks can also be used to gain access to your internal network. For this reason, it’s important to ensure that your external networks are properly secured.
Internal Network Pentest vs External Network Pentest
An internal pentest is a security assessment that is conducted from within your organization’s network. This type of test can help you identify vulnerabilities in your systems that could be exploited by malicious insiders. Internal pentests are important because they provide a realistic view of your organization’s security posture.
While internal and external pentests both have their advantages, they are not mutually exclusive. Many organizations choose to conduct both types of tests to get a comprehensive view of their security posture.
When deciding which type of pentest is right for your organization, it’s important to consider your needs and objectives. If you’re looking for a comprehensive view of your organization’s security posture, you may want to conduct both an internal and external pentest. If you’re only concerned with threats from the outside, an external pentest may be sufficient. Regardless of which type of test you choose, pentesting is an important part of any organization’s security strategy.
Final thoughts
External networks are often less secure than internal networks because they are not as well-protected against attacks. This makes them an attractive target for attackers who want to exploit vulnerabilities in your systems. External networks can also be used to gain access to your internal network. For this reason, it’s important to ensure that your external networks are properly secured.
External pentests are an important part of any organization’s security strategy. By simulating a real-world attack, these tests can help you identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.External pentests also identify areas for improvement, which is why they should be a regular part of your security routine.
